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 SEARCH 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.

Steven is bringing the smiles to ASDAWow, look at that infectious smile! Steven approaches his role as a Retail Ambient ...
09/10/2026

Steven is bringing the smiles to ASDA

Wow, look at that infectious smile! Steven approaches his role as a Retail Ambient Assistant with joy, confidence and enthusiasm. From keeping shelves organised and products in order to creating a welcoming environment for customers, he takes real pride in his work and his customer service skills.

Stocking up on confidence and stacking up workplace skills!

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

Growing skills at Saughton GardensBeautiful blooms, crisp autumn air and golden sunshine = the perfect setting for Camer...
09/10/2026

Growing skills at Saughton Gardens

Beautiful blooms, crisp autumn air and golden sunshine = the perfect setting for Cameron to show off his growing gardening skills! He’s doing a fantastic job edging the flower beds, learning to use tools and developing his technical skills alongside supportive colleagues.

With encouragement, teamwork and hands-on learning, Cameron is really blossoming in his internship!

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

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh Induction DayOur interns enjoyed a fantastic induction at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh.A huge thank y...
06/09/2026

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh Induction Day

Our interns enjoyed a fantastic induction at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh.

A huge thank you to the Edinburgh Virgin Hotel team for making everyone feel so welcome and at ease. Our interns were introduced to the hotel department's teams and the values that shape the Virgin Hotels experience of heartfelt service, smart disruption, red-hot style presentation, and being delightfully surprising.

They also explored the importance of confident communication, being passionate about great customer experiences and working together towards the same goal. Our interns were made to feel especially welcome with a plentiful and tasty burger and chips lunch in Eve Restaurant.

A brilliant day of building confidence, relationships and a sense of belonging as they begin their workplace journey.

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

NHS Lothian Induction DayA huge thank you to our NHS team for making our interns feel so welcome and at ease, introduci...
05/09/2026

NHS Lothian Induction Day

A huge thank you to our NHS team for making our interns feel so welcome and at ease, introducing them to their teams, showing them around and exploring the NHS values of care and compassion, dignity and respect, openness, honesty and responsibility, and quality and teamwork.

A great opportunity to start building relationships and feeling part of the workplace.

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

Learning to lift safelyThis week our interns took part in manual handling training with Caroline, from McSence , who did...
04/09/2026

Learning to lift safely

This week our interns took part in manual handling training with Caroline, from McSence , who did a fantastic job of making the session practical, engaging and enjoyable.

Manual handling is about moving and handling objects safely to reduce the risk of injury. Learning the right techniques is an important part of preparing our interns for their workplace placements, where they may be required to move equipment, supplies or other items safely.

A valuable skill for the workplace — and a great session of learning by doing.

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

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

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Waverley Court, 4 East Market Street
Edinburgh
EH88BG

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Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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