Business apprentice Nick Wilson has seen his life turn around after landing an Apprenticeship with autism support charity The Main Project.

The 24-year-old, who is completing his Business Administration Apprenticeship at Redcar & Cleveland College, had been out of work for some months after being made redundant from Corus last year.

However, the job opportunity at The Main Project came at just the right time.

In early February this year, Nick was diagnosed as suffering from Aspergers Syndrome, which is a form of autism, and just a week later he started his new position at The Main Project, which is based in Grangetown, Tees Valley.

Not only is Nick now learning new skills as part of his NVQ 2 qualification in Business Administration, but he is working with people who are able to support him with his condition.

“I feel incredibly fortunate to have been given this Apprenticeship – already it has made such a difference to my life,” said Nick, from Skelton.

“I have never worked at a small organisation before, but am really enjoying being part of a family team and I am being given the responsibility and creative freedom to really get the most out of my position.

“My job here involves supporting both the management and enterprise teams with administration and events, but I also go to training and family support events to speak about what it is like to live with Aspergers and how I deal with it.”
Nick goes to Redcar & Cleveland College one day a week as part of his Apprenticeship and is hoping to have completed the NVQ 2 course in six months’ time.

The former Laurence Jackson School pupil added: “To a large degree, Aspergers is a hidden disability, but it affects the way I learn and the way I go about my day. My world is very black and white, and I don’t always cope with change or unexpected events very well.

“Having the extra support from The Main Project and Redcar & Cleveland College, however, is enabling me to reach my potential and to live my life fully and independently. It is a great opportunity that I never thought I would have and I am enjoying every minute of both work and being back in a classroom again.”

Anna Taylor, Chief Executive at The Main Project, said the charity decided to get involved in the Apprenticeship campaign after receiving additional funding from the Regional Improvement and Efficiency Partnership and from Routes to Employment.

She said: “We have only great things to say about the Apprenticeship programme because it has worked extremely well for us. The Main Project is all about supporting people back into work and Apprenticeships are one very good option.

“Nick is doing tremendously well with us. He is creative, very hard working and diligent, and is a joy to work with. We are supporting him as he learns to deal with Aspergers, but he is also in a position to bring a great deal to us.

“With the college as our partner, we hope to be able to offer more Apprenticeships in the future.”

Denise McFarlane, Redcar & Cleveland College Deputy Principal, said: “It is wonderful to see how well Nick has settled into his Apprenticeship and how it is benefitting both his career plans and The Main Project.

“We know that all businesses are not the same, and therefore their Apprenticeship and training needs are different, so we are happy to tailor programmes to suit individual employers.

“We believe Apprenticeships are a valuable tool that can not only assist in the success and growth of a business, but can equip a young person with skills for life.”