Michael’s journey to Travel Service Partner

Despite Michael’s wealth of voluntary experience and a university degree, he found it hard finding paid work. When Michael joined the Restart Scheme in February 2022, he told his adviser that he felt his autism often hindered his ability to find employment.

With this in mind, Michael’s advisor enrolled him on courses that helped him with his confidence and interview skills. She also helped Michael understand how he should complete application forms to be in with a chance of making it to the interview stage.

In addition to this, Michael also enrolled himself in training courses that give him a better understanding of the retail and care industries, two sectors he could imagine working in. Not long after this, Michael’s hard work paid off and he got interviews with B&M and TK Maxx. Having helped Michael dress for success, he arrived for interview well-prepared and excited at the prospect of his first ever paid job. However, unfortunately for Michael, he wasn’t successful but he did receive some useful feedback from his potential employers which helped ensure he didn’t make the same mistake twice.

Michael built on this experience and when it came to applying for a Travel Service Partner role in September, he aced the application form and the interview!

Having completed his first week, he has now set his sights on saving so that he can move out of supported living and into a place of his own. He is determined to stay in this role and utilises his in-work appointments with his adviser to ensure a smooth transition into employment and to help overcome any initial issues that might arise.

“Michael approached this experience with enthusiasm and a great sense of humour - I am incredibly proud of him. I know he is perfect for this role and I am so excited to see what the future holds for him,” said Amy Crone, Employment Adviser.