A west Norfolk hospital continues to spearhead a project to help students with learning difficulties find jobs by giving them skills and experience in the workforce.

The Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn is one of only five NHS organisations nationally and the only one in the eastern region to have made a pledge to employ people with learning difficulties.

It has been working with the College of West Anglia to run a course with students working in hospital departments such as reception and medical records. Several students have since gained employment at the hospital or other businesses in west Norfolk.

Nine more students graduated at a special ceremony, and trust chairman Edward Libbey, who handed out the certificates, said: 'It has been wonderful to have the Project Search students working with us at the hospital and I hope they have gained a lot from their time here.'

The course, which is open to students aged 19 to 24, has been running at the hospital for several years, and is getting a makeover in the autumn.

During the nine-month programme, youngsters study for foundation qualifications in Maths and English, while also picking up vital skills to help them in the job market.

Associate director of patient experience Claire Roberts said: 'The students have had the opportunity of gaining the skills and confidence to be able to apply for and successfully hold down a job and we have equally benefited from seeing how people with a learning disability can flourish and contribute to the organisation when given the opportunity to do so.

'The students have also helped us to understand how we can provide better support for patients with a learning disability.

'It has helped to break down barriers as people with a learning disability are now part of the organisation and are seen as both colleagues and friends.'

Course director Kally Sagoo said the students had gone from being quite shy to confident young people who could hold their own.

For more information, visit cwa.ac.uk

How are you helping young people get into employment? Email david.bale2@archant.co.uk