AW's Story

AW’s support with WorkAid commenced in April 2022. He had a formal diagnosis of Autism, learning disability and mental health, and was referred to WorkAid by his parent.

Employment history:
AW was struggling to find employment and his caring responsibilities had hindered him working in the past. He has supported his family in caring for his sister in the family home. She had suffered extensive brain damage in a car accident and, since then, AW has suffered from PTSD. During this time, however, AW had volunteered at SOLD in Shoreham.
Summary from our initial meeting found: AW was hoping to find security work. He has a door supervisor card and security (including CCTV) certificate, but no work experience in this field. These qualifications run out in October 2022, but updating them will need funding. He describes himself as ‘pro-active’.

Facts:
AW is on UC and PIP – his PIP is for both mobility and care.
AW’s mum is his appointed person in all financial matters.

Identified Barriers:
AW has a poor sleep routine and frequently does not go to bed till around 1am. He struggles with forms and managing his finances. AW needs clear and concise instructions, and prefers achievable goals. AW is literal in his processing and struggles with understanding social cues or expectations being placed upon him. AW reports that becoming overwhelmed is his biggest barrier.

Actions taken in sessions:
Early sessions concentrated on AW’s CV, updating this with a photo and a personalised profile that best suited him in all future applications. Also, he was signposted to Matrix SCM for help preparing for interviews.

AW was keen to try out his new CV and began applying for security work after setting up an Indeed job search account, with the help of his Employment Consultant. He got an immediate response and was offered an informal interview with a local security firm.

AW requested interview support, and an Employment consultant accompanied him when he met with the employer. A work trial was offered and completed. The employer gave feedback directly to the EC and, although there had been issues with AW’s hygiene and presentation, the employer agreed to offer him paid work on a zero hour contract.

AW began paid employment in May 2022 and remains employed to this day. In September 2022, his EC secured funding via DWP for AW to update his door supervisors security licence. His upskill training will take place in October 2022.