A decade with Jess: 'from Project Search to my dream job'
This inclusion week, 26-year-old Jessica shares her journey at Barts Health NHS Trust as she marks 10 years since beginning Project Search; a one-year transition to work programme for young adults with a learning disability or autism spectrum conditions, or both, to help them get into permanent work after school.
I was diagnosed with dyslexia in primary school and received a lot of one-to-one support in lessons and exams throughout my school journey. I attended Walthamstow School for Girls which I really enjoyed, but I unfortunately lost a close family member, which led to a very difficult time where I had to grow up quickly. I was shy and reserved in school and didn’t have much interest, but I knew that I wanted to work with people after once I finished.
In 2015 I began my Project Search journey working as an administrative and reception assistant in the Orthodontics department. For my second placement I worked on Conifer ward as a Ward Host, where I would help the patient experience team with monthly events. My third placement was in the catering team in the Elior restaurant, where I developed good customer service skills.
I really enjoyed my placements through Project SEARCH, through team support and meeting people along the way, my confidence grew, I learnt to believe in myself and discover new interests, and I gained many transferable skills that I could take with me to the working world.
Since Project Search I have held many roles at Whipps Cross Hospital which has all added to my character. The covid pandemic meant that I had to stay at home for nine months, but I was then able to return to work in the outpatients department doing temperature checks and handing out PPE.
When these checks were no longer required I worked in the Estates and Facilities team as an administrative assistant, helping with ward checks, lunch audits and reports.
I was one of the Project Search graduates to be on the five month Pave Your Path programme, an initiative implemented by the Inclusion team to set up sessions that helped with career progression and development. This gave me the confidence to apply and get the front of house role I’d always wanted.
10 years on from starting project search and I now finally have my dream job working at the main entrance reception of Whipps Cross Hospital where I get to help staff and patients with any queries, including ID badges and directions – I am very proud of what I have achieved.
I like meeting and greeting staff, patients and visitors as they come through the hospital doors, and this role really suits my skillset and character, and makes me happy to come to work.