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.
Prior to Project SEARCH, Summer experienced little in the way of work experience- only participating in the local council’s Vibrant Communities programme in Girvan.
Summer Galloway
Programme Success
Summer really thrived in the supportive environment the small Project SEARCH team provided. Once seen to be shy and slightly apprehensive, each day the team saw Summer’s confidence grow as she took on tasks with optimism – morphing into an increasingly assured individual.
The supportive nature of the programme allowed Summer to build her confidence and skills by taking gradual steps toward employment – removing the pressure of career choices and expectations.
However, the benefits of didn’t stop there: Summer benefitted from the support from her peers, alongside the staff within the departments she worked.
After DFN Project SEARCH
During Summer’s final placement, a vacancy within the housekeeping department became available, and the housekeeping team insisted she apply!
A little over one year on from that nervy first interview, Summer is now an established member of the housekeeping team and going from strength to strength as one of a few now Project SEARCH alumni working within our host business. Summer is a living example to new interns, and all of us, that supported employment works.