Edinburgh Project SEARCH

Edinburgh Project SEARCH Edinburgh Project SEARCH is a programme which supports young people with disabilities into employment This programme is funded by The City of Edinburgh Council.

Edinburgh Project SEARCH supports young people with a disability, living in Edinburgh or the Lothians, to gain the skills needed for employment. The programme is delivered in partnership with host businesses, educational provider and supported employment specialist. In Edinburgh our partners are the City of Edinburgh Council, Edinburgh College, NHS Lothian and Virgin Hotels. Edinburgh Project SEAR

CH is for young people aged 16-29 with a recognised disability, who want to move into employment but may lack the skills or experience or be facing other barriers stopping them from getting a job. The young people take part in 3 full-time work placements within the host business, each placement lasting around 10 weeks, resulting in improved skills and confidence and 800 hours of work practice. A tutor and job coaches are based on site at all times, working closely with the business to provide classroom learning, work placements and on-going support. Outcome results are very high with 60-100% of young people moving into paid positions.

Again there is no better way to show the impact of Edinburgh Project SEARCH than hearing directly from our interns.Throu...
11/08/2026

Again there is no better way to show the impact of Edinburgh Project SEARCH than hearing directly from our interns.

Through real workplace experience and a range of opportunities at NHS Lothian, Sam has been able to build valuable skills, confidence and experience for future employment.

We are incredibly proud of Sam and all our interns for the progress they make throughout their Project SEARCH Journey.

The City of Edinburgh Council Edinburgh College Virgin Hotels Edinburgh NHS Lothian

Our new cohort of interns had a fantastic day at Vogrie, even in the rainy showers! Taking part in Orienteering, enjoyin...
11/08/2026

Our new cohort of interns had a fantastic day at Vogrie, even in the rainy showers! Taking part in Orienteering, enjoying a BBQ and getting to know each other through a Values-based activity.

The day was a great opportunity to discover more about our interns’ interests, strengths and aspirations, helping us understand how we can best support their individual development throughout the programme.

We were particularly impressed by how well everyone worked together. When challenges came up, interns adapted, communicated and collaborated to find solutions as a team.

Lots of fun, plenty of discovery and a brilliant start to building connections with our 2026/2027 Project SEARCH group.

Here’s to the next social outing at Bonaly!

The City of Edinburgh Council Edinburgh College Virgin Hotels Edinburgh NHS Lothian

There is no better way to show the impact of Edinburgh Project SEARCH than hearing directly from our interns.Confidence....
04/08/2026

There is no better way to show the impact of Edinburgh Project SEARCH than hearing directly from our interns.

Confidence. Workplace skills. A sense of belonging. That's what Edinburgh Project SEARCH is all about, and we couldn't be prouder of our interns as they take their next steps towards employment.

The City of Edinburgh Council Edinburgh College Virgin Hotels Edinburgh NHS Lothian

Congratulations to Anna on settling into her new Modern Apprenticeship in Business Administration! 🎉Throughout her time ...
03/08/2026

Congratulations to Anna on settling into her new Modern Apprenticeship in Business Administration! 🎉

Throughout her time at EPS, Anna has been a resilient, determined and hardworking intern, always striving to develop her skills and become job ready. It's been fantastic to see her settle into her new role with such confidence, embracing new tasks and continuing to grow every day.

In Anna's words:

"EPS has improved my social skills and my confidence with others massively. EPS, in my opinion, are total difference makers to the lives of young people with disabilities."

Anna always brings a smile to the Project SEARCH team, and we couldn't be prouder of how well she is doing. Congratulations, Anna; we know you'll continue to thrive in this exciting new chapter!

The City of Edinburgh Council Edinburgh College Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
NHS Lothian

Again, there is no better way to describe the impact of Project SEARCH than hearing it from our interns themselves.Micha...
31/07/2026

Again, there is no better way to describe the impact of Project SEARCH than hearing it from our interns themselves.

Michael shared:

"Before starting EPS, I found it hard to talk to new people. Now, I'm able to confidently start conversations and communicate with a wide range of people. This programme has greatly increased my confidence and resilience. It has helped me develop the workplace skills I need to become job ready."

We are incredibly proud of Michael's progress at EPS and at Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel. We look forward to seeing him continue to grow as he takes the next steps in his new job. Congratulations! 🎉

The City of Edinburgh Council Edinburgh College Virgin Hotels Edinburgh NHS Lothian

There is no better way to describe the impact of Project SEARCH than hearing it from our interns themselves.Congratulati...
30/07/2026

There is no better way to describe the impact of Project SEARCH than hearing it from our interns themselves.

Congratulations to this intern on receiving the Connor Coghill Award. Your resilience, determination and courage to step outside your comfort zone have been inspiring. From building confidence in your communication to developing positive workplace relationships, you have grown so much throughout your Project SEARCH journey.

The whole Edinburgh Project SEARCH team, along with your Buddies and Managers, are incredibly proud of everything you've achieved. We can't wait to see you continue to thrive as you move into employment.

The City of Edinburgh Council Edinburgh College Virgin Hotels Edinburgh NHS Lothian

28/07/2026

A huge thank you to Martin Norman at Building Finishing Services UK for taking the time recently to meet with our Edinburgh Project SEARCH graduates to provide essential interview insights and guidance.

Project SEARCH were also delighted to receive the £500 Amazon gift voucher, generously donated by the BFS UK team. This voucher will be used for our new and future interns, ensuring we provide essential resources to create a welcoming, inclusive and engaging environment as they start their Project SEARCH journey with us.

To find out more about Project SEARCH and the support that Edinburgh Guarantee can offer as a whole, visit:
https://www.edinburghguarantee.org/

The City of Edinburgh Council NHS Lothian Virgin Hotels Edinburgh Edinburgh College

28/07/2026

Meet Dylan, whose dedication, resilience and positive attitude continue to shine throughout his Project SEARCH journey.

Dylan has been proactively applying for Cook 1 positions within catering, showing real commitment and determination to achieve his goals. He approached both his placement and afternoon training sessions with focus and enthusiasm, always striving to develop his skills.

“I give it 120% all of the time at placement and in the afternoon training sessions. I have good friends within the group, get along with everyone and enjoy hanging out with them.”

For our interns, resilience is a key skill developed throughout the job search process. Dylan continues to build his confidence, practise the STAR technique and strengthen his interview skills as he works towards his future career.




Our recent team building Treasure Hunt at the National Museum of Scotland was full of fun facts, interactive challenges ...
28/07/2026

Our recent team building Treasure Hunt at the National Museum of Scotland was full of fun facts, interactive challenges and plenty of laughs!

It also gave our new interns the chance to explore the Science and Technology behind healthcare, hospitality and public services. Helping them make connections with the industries they will experience through our partners at NHS Lothian, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh and the City of Edinburgh Council.

Next stop… Vogrie Park!

We can't wait for another day together filled with games, activities and a glorious BBQ 🌞

The City of Edinburgh Council Edinburgh College Virgin Hotels Edinburgh NHS Lothian

Valedictorian Award 🎉Congratulations to Sam, this year's Valedictorian Award recipient! Sam has been an exemplary intern...
03/07/2026

Valedictorian Award 🎉

Congratulations to Sam, this year's Valedictorian Award recipient!

Sam has been an exemplary intern throughout the year, consistently demonstrating professionalism, initiative, and a genuine enthusiasm for learning. Whether in the workplace or during our training room sessions, Sam leads by example, supports others, and approaches every opportunity with a positive attitude.

This award recognises not only outstanding achievement, but also Sam's commitment and growth that make Sam an exceptional role model.

A truly well-deserved achievement. Congratulations, Sam!

The City of Edinburgh Council Edinburgh College
NHS Lothian Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

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