Joseph defeats his Autism stigma to find employment
Joseph found employment as a Contract Support Assistant with Kennedy Scott after almost giving up hope of ever finding a job. Having Autism he felt that employers just didn’t want to know him and didn’t understand his skills.
Having been referred from the Job Centre Plus, Joseph’s case worker felt that he would benefit from the extra support the Specialist Employability Support programme offers those with disabilities and health conditions. Although Joseph felt that his Autism doesn’t particularly affect him on a day to day basis, it does seem to have an impact on how others perceived him, which he felt was the main reason he didn’t manage to find employment, despite him applying for jobs in his words: “For longer than I can remember”.
Lizzy, Joseph’s Kennedy Scott caseworker saw potential in him straight away and suggested he apply for a position within Kennedy Scott. Although he ideally wanted full time work and the job was only part time, the job would provide invaluable experience and help his future prospects as he could show experience of working within an office environment.
Joseph said: “I was surprised about how quick it was, I had only been with the programme a short time, but Lizzy was very helpful and supportive right away.”
As Kennedy Scott are a Disability Confident Leader, everything was done to make Joseph as comfortable as possible at interview, helping him be more at ease straight away. During the interview Joseph presented himself well and within a few days he was offered the job. Although Joseph enjoys his work, he still feels he needs something more and would like a job that could become a career or vocation and to this end, Kennedy Scott are happily aiding Joseph in any way they can to find the apprenticeship he has always wanted.
Joseph said: “I have been working on supporting another team within the company, and it has been a real eye opener seeing the support Kennedy Scott gives customers from within the company. Everyone has been very welcoming and I am enjoying working within my team and the office as a whole.”
Joseph has come a long way since he first joined Kennedy Scott and his manager is delighted with his hard work. Joseph has recently applied for an apprenticeship with Network Rail and has just found out he is on their reserve list, although Joseph was disappointed that he didn’t get selected he still has a very bright future ahead of him and Kennedy Scott look forward to seeing joseph fulfil his potential.
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