Norfolk General Hospital welcomes new Project SEARCH interns

From left to right: Project SEARCH interns Haylee Murdoch; Jeff Hellewell; Sheldon Miller; Isaac Martens; Adam Zoskey, and Ryan Wales, who are each gaining hands-on job experience through the program.

(SIMCOE) – Norfolk General Hospital (NGH) and the Norfolk Hospital Nursing Home (NHNH) are excited to welcome six new interns to the Project SEARCH program this fall. These interns, from high schools across Haldimand and Norfolk, will complete three work placements in departments at NGH and NHNH while also taking part in classroom learning. Each internship will last eight to ten weeks and will be tailored to the intern’s interests and abilities.

Project SEARCH began at NGH in September 2023 through a partnership with the Grand Erie District School Board (Grand Erie) and the Norfolk Association for Community Living (NACL). With the support of Grand Erie teacher Ryan Nightingale and dedicated job trainers like Jenn Vanden Hengel from NACL, interns gain the skills, training, and confidence they need to succeed after graduation. It was the first program of its kind in Norfolk County and is one of only 19 offered in Ontario.

“We’re grateful to have Project SEARCH students immerse themselves in a school-to-work training program with Norfolk General Hospital and the Norfolk Hospital Nursing Home, where they gain more than 600 hours of hands-on experience and employability training,” said Dr. JoAnna Roberto, PhD, Director of Education, Grand Erie District School Board. “Students are equipped to take their next steps with confidence and reinforce our belief that all students have a path to success in Grand Erie.”

The results speak for themselves. Every intern who has graduated from the program at NGH has found a job. Globally, about 70% of graduates are employed within a year of completing the program.

“Every year, Project SEARCH reminds us why inclusion really matters,” said Sarah-Jane Irvine, Chief Human Resources Officer at NGH. “This program helps break down barriers and shows what’s possible when we believe in people’s potential. Our Project SEARCH interns bring so much talent and determination, and it’s truly a privilege to see them grow, find their voice, and move into meaningful jobs in our community.”

Project SEARCH has already made an impact in our community. In 2024, Norfolk General Hospital received the IDEA Award from the Simcoe & District Chamber of Commerce for championing Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility through this program. This award shows how Project SEARCH is helping to make workplaces and communities stronger and more welcoming. [Learn more about the award here.]

“Project SEARCH allows interns the opportunity for growth and development in a positive work environment,” said Paul Found, Employment Services Supervisor with NACL. “The interns learn many diverse skills that they can use to pursue employment opportunities of their choosing after their school year concludes. Interns learn job skills, life skills, and essential employability traits that will assist them through their lives. Perhaps most importantly , Interns develop friendships with mentors, staff, fellow interns and Project SEARCH staff that they will have for the entire lives.”

NGH, NHNH, Grand Erie, and NACL are proud to support this year’s interns and look forward to celebrating their success.

Media Contact:

Aaron Gautreau
Director of Communications & Public Relations
W: 519-426-0130 ext. 2454 | C: 226-931-5752