A NEW district project aims to help young people with learning disabilities and autism into paid employment.

Spearheading the initiative is Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust, which will offer the young people work-based learning opportunities.

Other organisations involved include learning disabilities charity Hft, Bradford College and Bradford Council.

The so-called DFN Project SEARCH transition-to-work programme caters for people aged 18 to 24.

It is part of a national venture which aims to get 10,000 young adults with learning disabilities and autism into full-time paid jobs over the next decade.

Across the UK, over 1,600 participants have already graduated – with more than 1,475 interns securing paid employment through DFN Project SEARCH programmes. Typically, 70 per cent of interns secure work against a national average of just 5.6 per cent.

Therese Patten, chief executive officer of Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust, said: "We are so excited to welcome these fantastic young people to our trust, and to be supporting them to develop their skills and confidence.

"The number of young adults with learning disabilities in employment is shockingly low, and I am pleased that we will be able to make our own contribution to help address that. I am confident that some of our first ten interns will find jobs with us and other local employers, and that collectively we will all benefit from this great local talent."

Josh Wadsworth, transformation and compliance co-ordinator at Bradford Council, said the authority was delighted to be involved with the scheme.

He added: "We are committed to helping young people with special educational needs and disabilities in the district to develop the skills and experience, and achieve the qualifications they need, to succeed in their careers.

"It’s very important that the Bradford district has the correct level of opportunities to meet the aspirations of all young people whilst providing equal access to the workplace. We’re delighted to be involved with the development of this fantastic opportunity, to help increase the number of options available and support people with learning disabilities and autism in our community.

"We wish all our interns the very best of luck and we look forward to seeing their careers flourish."

Bryony Dolby, national programme co-ordinator with Hft, said: "Our employability coach will work with the fantastic cohort of interns, alongside our dedicated partners, supporting them to gain valuable skills and experience."

For more about the project, visit dfnprojectsearch.org.