How Inclusive Employment helped Callum find confidence, friendship, and a future
Callum is 26 years old and lives at home with his mum and siblings. He has a learning disability, is visually impaired, and takes blood-thinning medication. For a long time, Callum felt stuck. He really wanted to find paid work—ideally in a warehouse—but had no experience since leaving college. He didn’t feel ready for full-time work and, with his additional needs, found it difficult to even get considered for jobs.
Although he’d signed up with an employment agency, he was never offered any opportunities. The constant rejection knocked his confidence. He didn’t go out apart from trips with his mum, and he’d stay up all night gaming. He had no hobbies, no social life, and no income.
He joined the ECL Inclusive Employment programme in June 2023. Even with expert support from the ECL team, things didn’t change straight away. Over the next 18 months, Callum kept trying—but no one would give him a chance.
Jenny Price, an Inclusive Employment Job Broker at ECL, got to know Callum well during this time. She knew how much potential he had, so when she heard that Iceni Windows were hiring full-time warehouse staff, she thought this could be the break Callum needed.
Jenny reached out to Maggie Jackson, the HR Manager at Iceni Windows, and explained that she had a brilliant candidate, but asked if he could start on part-time, staggered hours to help him build up to full-time work. Maggie was supportive and open to this. She did mention the warehouse was a lively place, full of friendly banter, with a few ‘characters’ working there. Jenny was undeterred—she was confident Callum would fit in perfectly, so she organised an interview for Callum.
Jenny and Inclusive Employment Consultant, Pete Curry, had been preparing Callum for interviews for a while and on the day of the interview with Iceni Windows he did well; staying calm and giving good answers to the questions. Jenny went along with him for support but only stepped in to help with the written part. All Callum’s hard work and patience finally paid off and he was offered the job!
Jenny accompanied Callum on his first day at work. Pete also supported him with on-the-job coaching and helped with travel, ensuring he could commute to work safely by foot or bike. Within two days, Callum was travelling to work on his own and meeting Pete there.
Callum took to the role straight away. He enjoys the repetitive, hands-on nature of the work, which involves removing plastic edging from window frames. He especially enjoys the social side of the job and loves the banter with the team. There were a few early bumps as Callum adjusted to the working environment, but with Pete’s help and by introducing routine and structure those issues were soon resolved.
Within just two weeks, Callum was working entirely independently and full-time. He now works 7 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday, as a full-time window fabricator, and has been with Iceni for over eight months.
Pete stepped back after a few weeks, and now Callum is supported by Patrick Loe, an Inclusive Employment Job Coach who checks in now and then and is always on hand if Callum ever needs anything.
Iceni Windows have been amazing throughout. Not only did they adjust Callum’s hours at the start, but they also paid for a trip to the opticians to get custom safety goggles that suit his vision needs. They also teamed him up with Simon, who showed him the ropes and became a work buddy. Some of the warehouse team took Callum under their wing—he’s made friends and now even joins them for the occasional pint at the pub.
Working has transformed Callum’s life. He’s more confident, has his own income, and enjoys a better quality of life. He treated his mum with his first pay packet, and now helps pay rent, giving them both a boost financially. He has a routine, new mates, and a real purpose. At the company Christmas party, Callum said something that really moved the team: “This is the first time I’ve been out without my mum.”
Iceni Windows have been just as thrilled.
We are very impressed with Callum’s progress and attitude to work—he’s one of our hardest workers
Callum’s journey shows what’s possible when the right support meets the right opportunity. With a bit of understanding and flexibility from Iceni Windows and person-centred support and encouragement from ECL, Callum has gone from feeling stuck at home to being a valued team member with purpose, pride, and a brighter future ahead.
