A GROUP of nine young adults with learning disabilities have graduated from a pioneering work experience scheme at Taunton's Musgrove Park Hospital.

The one-year Project SEARCH programme involves on-the-job training giving participants the chance to develop skills and work experience to find paid employment in the future.

It is funded by Somerset County Council with Somerset College providing the tutor support and Aspire giving support through its job coach.

The nine interns undertook a variety of non-clinical roles across the hospital, including sterile services, the Beacon Centre day unit, head and neck theatres and catering, completing three placements each.

Three of them have since secured paid work at the hospital, county council and a local restaurant.

Harry Tavare is now working in the special educational needs and disabilities team at Somerset County Council as a young person’s champion.

Dan Samuel is on the Musgrove staff bank as a technician with the sterile services department, while Ryan Manaton has been taken on by McDonald's.

Hayley Peters, executive director of patient care at Musgrove Park Hospital, said: “The Project Search interns are an inspirational group of young people and they bring energy and joy to our hospital.

"We are very proud of each and every intern and we hope that their experience at Musgrove will help them to succeed in the future.”