Project SEARCH Winnipeg
An exciting new work-oriented transition program for high school students.

Project SEARCH Winnipeg is for high school students (labeled with an intellectual disability or autism) whose main goal is employment and will benefit from career exploration.  The cornerstone of this program is immersion into a large business or organization.  Students learn employability and job skills while participating in a variety of worksite rotations with the goal of competitive employment.   Work experience placement occurs based on the student’s experiences, strengths and skills, as well as site host need.  Students are supported by a team including a certified Teacher, Job Coaches and Coordinator.

Project SEARCH serves as a workforce alternative for students in their last year of high school, developing valued roles in professional settings.

• Each day starts in a “classroom” (generously provided by Manitoba Hydro) where students learn employability skills.
• The bulk of the day is spent in worksite rotations developed throughout Manitoba Hydro and the Government of Manitoba (2011-12 site hosts)
• Students end their day in the classroom, reflecting on the day, journaling their key learning, problem solving, and planning.
• Program duration: one school year (student’s last year of school)

Job coaches provide training to students for each work experience, while site supervisors and managers will provide natural supports. Students receive continual feedback from Project SEARCH staff, co-workers and supervisors. 

The ultimate goal is to support students to be successful in their post-graduation search for competitive employment, utilizing the skills learned on the work experiences and throughout the program (please note that the host businesses/organizations are under no obligation to hire students once they have completed their Project SEARCH year).

Possible worksite experiences may include:

• Clerical/Filing
• Data Entry
• Distribution/Stocking  of supplies
• Training Material Preparation
• Groundskeeping

For more information contact:

Oly Backstrom

President & CEO

SCE LifeWorks Inc.

227-530 Century Street

Winnipeg, MB

R3H 0Y4

obackstrom@lifeworks.mb.ca

204-775-9402, ext. 213

Thanks to The Winnipeg Foundation for their financial support of this endeavour.