Rutger | Gaining Independence Through Project SEARCH

How Rutger Worked Towards his Job Exploration Goals

“I am independent and successful,” shares Charles (Rutger) after participating in Project SEARCH, which led to full-time employment at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport. 

Project SEARCH is a national business-led, school-to-work transition program that includes hands-on training and career exploration internships that empower young adults with disabilities to build skills and confidence to enter the workforce. 

Project SEARCH interns work with Goodwill skills trainers and job developers to prepare for and find a job. Goodwill supports three Project SEARCH sites in southeastern Wisconsin including Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, the only airport to participate in the national program. 

Growing Skills For Success 

For Rutger, Project SEARCH provided a structured environment to work toward his goals of becoming more independent and exploring different roles.

Through the program, Rutger built a resume and participated in mock interviews. He tried several job rotations working in warehouse, food service and retail environments, each helping him form new skills. Goodwill skills trainers guided Rutger through orientation and training as well as in developing job skills, spatial awareness, self-advocacy and supportive relationships. 

“I enjoyed learning about the different rotations, trying new tasks and challenging myself. I had fun, and I think people in high school who have an Individualized Education Program or who are in special education should join Project SEARCH.”  

With support of his Goodwill team, Rutger grew confidence, learned how to navigate the workplace and found his voice, including being comfortable engaging with others. 

“I learned how to take initiative on my own, speak up and ask my coworkers for help,” reflects Rutger on what he found most valuable from the program. 

Finding Independence Through Work 

Exposure to new settings, people and places helped Rutger achieve his goals and by program end he grew to need minimal support. 

Rutger’s experience led to a job offer in his favorite internship rotation within the airport commissary where he has been proudly employed since program completion. 

About Project SEARCH

Project SEARCH began in 1996 at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. There are over 700 Project SEARCH sites throughout the United States and internationally. Goodwill partners with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), local long-term support agencies, education agencies and school districts, and employers to provide unique training opportunities for young adults with disabilities in southeastern Wisconsin.