ECL Inclusive Employment breaks barriers: William's path to professional success
William, a 24-year-old with a keen interest in video games, anime, and running, is a highly educated individual holding a bachelor’s degree in computer technology and a master’s degree in advanced computer science. On completing his education, William was keen to gain employment that would allow him to apply his considerable computer skills, achieve financial independence, and provide him with a sense of purpose. However, as someone with high-functioning autism and no practical work experience, he was unsure how to go about getting a job.
William’s family supported his ambition of getting paid employment, and a family member mentioned ECL’s Inclusive Employment service to him. William referred himself to the Inclusive Employment team and was assigned to Inclusive Employment Consultant Pete Curry. Pete assisted William in his job search, supporting him in creating his CV, applying for jobs, and preparing for interviews. Pete also accompanied William to job interviews; he commented, “I had no idea what they were discussing as there was a lot of tech talk, but I know my presence gave William the confidence he needed to engage in the interview.”
William’s first job search was a success, and in March 2023, he secured a fixed-term contract data inputting for healthcare provider Provide Community. Working from home was a great way for William to test the waters of paid employment. However, although Provide Community continued to supply him with data inputting work on a zero-hours basis at the end of the fixed-term contract, William knew it was time to take the big step into the workplace and take his career to the next level.
In February 2024, with the continued support of Pete, William secured a paid role in IT support at Colchester Hospital, part of the East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust. He continues to work for Provide and works 18.75 hours a week at Colchester Hospital, applying his expertise to support its IT infrastructure. His work involves resolving problems with the hospital computers, printers, and scanners, building new or replacement computers, and installing the software programmes needed by the hospital staff. He has been immersed in a major project to merge the IT systems of Colchester and Ipswich hospitals.
When William was offered the role, he felt a mix of nervousness, uncertainty, and excitement. However, settling into the workplace was smoother with support from ECL and his employer. ECL provided on-site job coaching and liaised with the employer to ensure a supportive work environment. Although William does have a driver's license, he prefers to take public transport, and Pete ensured he was comfortable with his journey to work in the early days. When William was settled in his job, Pete stepped aside, and Patrick Loe, an Inclusive Employment sustainment officer, became William’s point of contact. William rarely contacts him, but Patrick checks in from time to time, and William knows he’s there if he needs him.
The hospital has been very supportive from the outset. They recognised William’s need for shorter hours and carved out a job share between him and another ECL Inclusive Employment candidate. Initially William was offered an 18-month fixed term contract, starting in February 2024, but due to his outstanding work he was offered a permanent position in late 2024.
The hospital has made reasonable adjustments to ensure William’s needs are met and he is able to sustain his role. Examples include copying Pete into the onboarding emails so that Pete could support William with the forms and providing a quiet space in which to do his induction training. William also has access to a quiet room for decompression should he need it, but as the hospital gives him flexible breaks, he tends to go for a walk and get fresh air if he’s feeling a little overwhelmed.
William’s employment has been transformational, giving him control over his life and career. He has gained greater self-esteem through meaningful work and contributing to the household budget. William explains that his colleagues are probably the aspect of his job he likes most: " They’re friendly, very supportive, and share my interests outside of my work.” In addition to the camaraderie, he is also partial to the generous supply of free food provided by his colleagues and managers, from bacon sandwiches and pizza to chocolate and biscuits!
There are many people within my department that I can speak to if I have worries or issues in my job. There are usually several co-workers in the office who are happy to help, and my managers are very approachable. I also know I can contact ECL for support if needed.
William acknowledges that the job search process can be long and discouraging. " It can take a long time, i.e., months, to get a job,” he said, “with numerous applications, rejections, and potential setbacks.” However, he emphasises that perseverance is key—"while the journey may be tough, the rewards of employment make it worthwhile, and having the support of the ECL Inclusive Employment team makes a world of difference.”
William’s experience highlights that Inclusive Employment goes beyond matching candidates with entry-level jobs. It also ensures that highly capable, neurodiverse individuals are given opportunities to excel in roles that match their skills and qualifications. His story demonstrates that with the right support, neurodiverse individuals can secure and thrive in higher-level professional roles.