Case Studies

Jonathan is an inspirational graduate in meaningful employment, transformed from a selective mute to a confident public speaker due to the support and guidance of the DFN Project SEARCH programme and his lecturers.

Charlie moved from a Modern Apprenticeship with South Ayrshire Council to a full-time position as an Activities Assistant with the council’s Thriving Communities based within their outdoor Residential Centre: Dolphin House, following his time at DFN Project SEARCH at Culzean Castle Country Estate, a National Trust for Scotland property.

Craig is a Commis Chef at The Stirling Highland Hotel. At the end of his DFN Project SEARCH programme in June 2024, Craig was hired as a Kitchen Porter where he helped with some food prep and worked the dishwasher.

John works at Trump Turnberry as a food and beverage assistant and is participating in a paid apprenticeship in Girvan with ACE (adventure centre for education) as an Outdoor Education Assistant.

Subhan Hameed began his journey with DFN Project SEARCH in August 2021, during a challenging period marked by Covid-19 restrictions. Despite these circumstances, he adapted quickly to a blended learning approach that combined college attendance with online classes.

Summer joined Project SEARCH in 2024, shortly after turning 18. She was referred to the onsite team at Culzean Castle and Country Park’s DFN Project SEARCH programme in hopes that Summer would be able to build her confidence and social interaction skills.

When I left College, I wasn’t sure what to do next. I had always wanted to be a bus or train driver but I couldn’t drive and I didn’t think this career was an option for me.

Through my first two placements working in Back of House and then in the Housekeeping Team at Whipps Cross Hospital I learnt a lot of important skills such as organisation, communication and respect.

About 3 years ago, I was finishing college and trying to look ahead to a bright future. Finishing education and starting to look for work is daunting – every young person has been there and I was no exception.

Cameron Smith owns a three bedroom house in East Kilbride, Scotland, which he has lived in for the last 4 years. Thanks to his part-time reception role at SCLD transitioning into a fulfilling 11-year career, he was able to save enough to buy a place of his own.