Job scheme praised as autistic son finds work

Andy Darlaston's son Harry completed a supported internship at Nuneaton Signs

A father says a scheme which helps young people with learning disabilities into work has been life-changing for his son.

Andy Darlaston's son Harry is autistic and was part of the scheme, ending up with an internship at a firm which manufactures signs in Warwickshire.

The supported internship programme at North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College sees those it teaches given a 10-week work placement alongside tailored job coaching and life skills support.

"He's made new friends, his confidence has increased. He's completely come out of his shell, it's just been the making of him, it really has " Mr Darlaston said.

The 56-year-old said his son was now thriving because of the scheme.

"Without all of the support from the supported internship team and everyone at Nuneaton Signs, we wouldn't be where we are today," he said.

"We wouldn't as a family unit be as happy as we are today.

"Harry's thriving now, which we're absolutely overjoyed with."

Figures released in 2024 from the Department for Work and Pensions show only 4.8% of adults who are autistic or have a learning difficulty get paid employment.

Paula Jeffries, from the college, said they were seeing a good number of students end up in paid employment

Paula Jeffries, from the college, said, across four years of the programme, nearly two-thirds of students secured a paying job.

"It isn't that they don't want to work but they wouldn't necessarily be able to go through the typical recruitment process," she said.

The supported internship programme has been extended for another year.