Sean Parkinson, aged 22, started his customer services apprenticeship with Embrace Wigan and Leigh three months ago after spending a year undertaking a supported internship.
By meeting new people every day and working in an office environment for the first time, Sean, who lives with autism, is learning life-long skills that will help him throughout his career.
Sean originally heard about the supported internship opportunity following months of volunteering with the charity and, after proving to be an invaluable member of the team, Embrace were keen to support him into work.
With a genuine interest in public transport, Sean has taken on the role of ‘travel trainer’, meaning he works closely with people in the local community and beyond who might need support to feel confident using buses or other modes of travel.
Embrace is also supporting Sean with courses to improve his day-to-day skills including cooking, so he can begin to live more independently.
Sean said: “It was a bit daunting at first because before Embrace I was doing a performing arts course at Wigan and Leigh College. I realised it wasn’t for me but I knew I needed to look for work, so I decided to look into something completely different.
“The staff at Embrace really supported me and I like that my work is linked to public travel because it feels like I’ve managed to turn my passion into a career.”
Embrace Wigan and Leigh is a registered charity based in Platt Bridge, Wigan, whose main aim is to support people living with disabilities.
Carol Williams also works for Embrace as a travel trainer. She said: “With help from the council, I’ve been able to support Sean in his role from teaching him general office etiquette to helping him with his studies.
“Sean really has been an invaluable member of the team and without him, there would be no way we could get through the amount of referrals we get.”
Embrace contacted Wigan Council to explore the possibility of an apprenticeship after being impressed with Sean’s work. And, thanks to support received from the local authority, Embrace were put in touch with a training provider (Wigan and Leigh College), and a plan was put in place to suit Sean’s educational needs.
In addition to an assessor coming to visit him in the workplace every four weeks, Sean and Carol are also in regular contact with the council’s supported employment team, to make sure he receives suitable help and guidance.
In line with its commitment to supporting the borough’s young people, Wigan Council is keen to ensure people living with disabilities or learning difficulties, care leavers and young people not in education, employment or training can progress through an apprenticeship to kick-start their careers.
Leader of Wigan Council, Councillor David Molyneux said: “Providing all of our young people with the very best opportunities we can is a key priority for me.
“Young people currently out of work or with additional needs shouldn’t miss out because of factors out of their control. We remain committed to engaging with our businesses and young people to offer as much support as possible so they can develop and thrive.”
Find more information about the help that the our supported employment team can provide.
Find out about apprenticeship support in the borough.