Starting my career – William’s story

When William was referred to Work Routes, he had no experience of working in paid employment and struggled to identify what job sector he wished to pursue when starting his career.

During his initial appointment, he met with his Employment Adviser, Emma, who got to know him on a more personal level. Together they discussed, what he felt, his barriers into employment were, and how having autism impacts his daily life. As William had no job experience, he was starting from the beginning in terms of exploring different career routes and what they had to offer.

Work Routes helps participants to identify their own existing skills and how they can be applied to current labour market opportunities. Our Employment Advisers will measure a participant’s readiness to work, highlighting their strengths, needs and proximity to entering and sustaining employment.

Emma shared: “William had built his confidence and came into the office to meet new members of the team. I introduced him to Recruitment Manager, Natalie, who got to work straight away in finding suitable vacancies that she could discuss with William. This gave William the insight he needed into what was involved within various roles and what transferrable skills he could bring to each one.”

Work Routes offer in-house courses and workshops that target specific employability skills, and sector specific taster days. Our Skills Academy has strong links with local employers and receive the latest updates on new vacancies from local Recruitment Consultants.

“Prior to joining Work Routes, William would never have attempted a job application independently, due to low confidence. However, after just a few months of meeting with William, and working together in workshop environments, I was able to support him with his first job application.

“Needless to say, he was invited to interview and offered the job in the same week! William had landed a job in the hospitality sector, as a Kitchen Assistant, starting with a 20-hour contract.”

Emma continues to support William in his new role with in-work support calls once a month. Work Routes offer in-work support for up to six months from job start and can be arranged as and when needed.

William told us: “Without Emma and her unwavering support and guidance, not only would I never have had the confidence to apply for a job, but I never expected to even have a job. I cannot thank her enough, as she has changed my life and future!”