DETERMINED students who have learning disabilities are celebrating job success after taking part in an employability programme at Culzean Castle.

Almost everyone who graduated from Ayrshire College’s Project SEARCH has gained employment.

The programme was delivered by Ayrshire College in partnership with the National Trust for Scotland, Girvan Youth Trust and South Ayrshire Council for 17 to 29-year-olds who have learning disabilities, including those on the autistic spectrum.

Seven of the eight participants who graduated back in October have now stepped into the world of work. And the hard-working students now have dream opportunities in retail, hospitality and construction.

Two graduates are now employed by Trump Turnberry, two by Morrisons, two by Ace Adventure, and one by Asleigh Construction.

Ayrshire College have hailed the success of the Project SEARCH at Culzean Castle which has been running for just two years following great success of their first instalment at Crosshouse Hospital.

Participants of the programme rotate around three work placements each during a nine-month stint at Culzean Castle, working in the café, the gardens, the gift shop, the hotel, the kitchen, in housekeeping, and with the rangers.

A new intake starts in February and anyone interested in joining the team can apply online through the Ayrshire College website.

Clare Baird, employability and engagement officer at Ayrshire College, said: “This is a phenomenal achievement as it’s only our second year running this course at Culzean Castle.

“All students receive support over the 18 months following their graduation from our partners – primarily Girvan Youth Trust – to help them find employment. So we’re still aiming to get 100 per cent into work.”