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CommunicationsOffice@DWD.Wisconsin.gov
Project SEARCH Program Prepares Young Adults with Disabilities for Rewarding Careers
MILWAUKEE – As part of hospital support staff at Froedtert Hospital, Project SEARCH interns assist with stocking supplies, customer service, food preparation and more. For Maria Brzinski, the experience has been a way to meet new people and learn new skills.
“Froedtert helped me do my best at work,” said Brzinski, who trained as an intern in the hospital’s bistro. Following her internship, she landed a permanent job at a senior living facility.
The graduation ceremony at Froedtert on Thursday, June 29, in Milwaukee, marked the completion of a nine- to 12-month immersive work experience. The interns recounted their hands-on experiences and talked about their future career opportunities.
“The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development congratulates the nearly 200 Project SEARCH graduates throughout the state for their hard work and accomplishments,” said DWD Secretary-designee Amy Pechacek. “Successful programs like Project SEARCH are preparing members of Wisconsin’s diverse and talented workforce for opportunities that employers have available today.”
In addition to the host site, the local internship experience was made possible by partners including the Department of Workforce Development Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), TransCen, Creative Employment Opportunities, Lutheran Social Services, TMG Wisconsin, and Community Care, Inc. Statewide, 28 premier employers are participating in Project SEARCH this year.
Project SEARCH is a collaborative effort among state vocational rehabilitation agencies, area schools, local employers, and long-term care organizations to help interns acquire marketable, competitive, and transferable skills that lead to employment. The interns complete multiple 10-week rotations to maximize exposure to different career paths and learn employability skills in a classroom and hands-on job skills within the business environment.
Started at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center in 1996, Project SEARCH has provided workforce training to approximately 1,500 Wisconsin residents since its statewide launch in 2008. For more, visit Project SEARCH Wisconsin.
