A SCHEME which offers disabled graduates "life-changing" paid work placements in the NHS has been launched for a second year in Glasgow.

Up to 22 college and university leavers will be offered two years of work experience in the health service and help at the end to secure a permanent job when it ends.

Of the graduates who joined in 2015, six have progressed into permanent employment, one has been accepted onto a highly prestigious PhD course and a further 16 are in placement.

The initiative was launched by the government to help break down the barriers many disabled graduates face entering the workforce.

Social Security Minister Jeane Freeman, met graduates in Glasgow who have been helped by the initial scheme at the launch of this year’s fresh intake including Alan Lewis.

Alan, a former graduate is now employed as Partnership and Engagement Officer with NHS 24, after completing the programme.

He said: “Being part of the GCIL programme has been an extremely enriching and inspirational experience, which has opened up many doors for future employment.

“I would thoroughly recommend this to any disabled graduates looking for support and direction to take their career to the next level.”

Jeane Freeman, Social Security Minister, said: “We are committed to delivering transformational change in the lives of disabled people in Scotland.

“A key focus of our activity is tackling, head on, some of the barriers which prevent disabled people from gaining work experience which can lead to full-time professional careers.

“The NHS Professional Careers programme not only provides graduates with the opportunity to learn and develop the necessary skills to allow them to have an equal chance of competing in the labour market, it does so in a supportive environment which allows their talents to flourish.

The programme is funded by the Scottish Government and NHS boards, and run by the Glasgow Centre for Inclusive Living Equality Academy (GCILEA).

John Spiers, National Development Manager, Glasgow Centre for Inclusive Living Equality Academy, said:“This partnership approach offers life changing opportunities to disabled graduates, whilst demonstrating the commitment of the Scottish Government to challenging the barriers that disabled people face in the pursuit of their career ambitions.”