Success Stories to Inspire You
The following accounts are from individuals on the autism spectrum, who have had the opportunity to show their skills and abilities in training and employment.
These accounts are in their own words and you will see how much just being given that opportunity means to them, their outlook on life and their future prospects.
You can also see some video case studies on the Sunderland City Council website, under 'Just the Job' See here
Scott McNay My Project Choice Story November 2011
My work experience
I did work experience when I was a student at Thornbeck College I was 20 when I started work experience.I felt a bit nervous before starting my work experience. But as the weeks went past I got more confident I was also excited about my work experience
Before I started project choice I hade done work experience every Wednesday with Gary though college I enjoyed my work experience
Where I worked on work experience.
I worked in the Ambulance service fixing the Ambulances washing the ambulances Re stocking the ambulances Taking old ambulances apart ready for scrap. And I really enjoyed working with my mentor Malcolm and all the other staff.
I felt happy and confident to be at work. It made my feel important like every one else.
I have also worked with Stephanie smith Doing managers meetings Computer work Shredding
And I liked working with Stephanie and all the other staff. I had to write reports and remember things. And I like to come to work to do my work it gets me out of the house.
Internship
I then applied to become an intern on project choice I had to have an interview I was so scared I bid not know what to aspect when I started. It was the first time I had a real interview. I had some practice interviews on Wednesday when we where at college,then I went on to project choice which is a years long work experience programme for young people with learning difficulties. The aim of the programme is to try and help find them a job at the end of the years programme
I have also worked in scanning and archiving. This involves scanning medical records in to the computer so surgeon’s consultants and nurses can get quick access to people’s records online any time. And the staff who I worked with where really helpful and polite and I still see them.
I have also worked in medical records which involved me going round with one of the porters delivering medical records to the different wards and offices in and a round the hospital. All the staff in medical records were very polite and helpful and I still see my mentor from medical records.
I then worked in the operating theatres setting up a system of photographing all there equipment so they can find things they need in a hurry and they don’t have too many things in the cupboard. I had to wear scuds and follow strict health and safety rules.
On my third placement I went to work for the council. I looked at the blue badges checked they were logged on the system and all the information was right then I could send them out. And I logged on all the post on the computer and at the end of the day I franked the post and took it to reception for the postman to collect and I got on very well with every one I worked with at the Sunderland City Council.
Since I have been on project choice my life has changed,
I think every one should have a chance like ive had because it’s made a big difference to my life
At the end of project choice I was able to apply for apprenticeship working with Project Choice. I help the new interns and scan and shred and I go out teaching about the project to partnership boards and different people. I've also done presentations telling people about the project and how good it's been for me and how it can help others.
I feel more confident speaking in front of large groups now then when I first started on the project.
These accounts are in their own words and you will see how much just being given that opportunity means to them, their outlook on life and their future prospects.
You can also see some video case studies on the Sunderland City Council website, under 'Just the Job' See here
Scott McNay My Project Choice Story November 2011
My work experience
I did work experience when I was a student at Thornbeck College I was 20 when I started work experience.I felt a bit nervous before starting my work experience. But as the weeks went past I got more confident I was also excited about my work experience
Before I started project choice I hade done work experience every Wednesday with Gary though college I enjoyed my work experience
Where I worked on work experience.
I worked in the Ambulance service fixing the Ambulances washing the ambulances Re stocking the ambulances Taking old ambulances apart ready for scrap. And I really enjoyed working with my mentor Malcolm and all the other staff.
I felt happy and confident to be at work. It made my feel important like every one else.
I have also worked with Stephanie smith Doing managers meetings Computer work Shredding
And I liked working with Stephanie and all the other staff. I had to write reports and remember things. And I like to come to work to do my work it gets me out of the house.
Internship
I then applied to become an intern on project choice I had to have an interview I was so scared I bid not know what to aspect when I started. It was the first time I had a real interview. I had some practice interviews on Wednesday when we where at college,then I went on to project choice which is a years long work experience programme for young people with learning difficulties. The aim of the programme is to try and help find them a job at the end of the years programme
I have also worked in scanning and archiving. This involves scanning medical records in to the computer so surgeon’s consultants and nurses can get quick access to people’s records online any time. And the staff who I worked with where really helpful and polite and I still see them.
I have also worked in medical records which involved me going round with one of the porters delivering medical records to the different wards and offices in and a round the hospital. All the staff in medical records were very polite and helpful and I still see my mentor from medical records.
I then worked in the operating theatres setting up a system of photographing all there equipment so they can find things they need in a hurry and they don’t have too many things in the cupboard. I had to wear scuds and follow strict health and safety rules.
On my third placement I went to work for the council. I looked at the blue badges checked they were logged on the system and all the information was right then I could send them out. And I logged on all the post on the computer and at the end of the day I franked the post and took it to reception for the postman to collect and I got on very well with every one I worked with at the Sunderland City Council.
Since I have been on project choice my life has changed,
- I am a lot more confident,
- I have a reason to get up every day
- am proud of my self and making my parents proud
- improved my communication skills
- I now don’t find it difficult to make eye contact
- I've improved on my work skills and I am able to do a lot more
I think every one should have a chance like ive had because it’s made a big difference to my life
At the end of project choice I was able to apply for apprenticeship working with Project Choice. I help the new interns and scan and shred and I go out teaching about the project to partnership boards and different people. I've also done presentations telling people about the project and how good it's been for me and how it can help others.
I feel more confident speaking in front of large groups now then when I first started on the project.