Nathen has Autism and ADHD. He has been unemployed since dropping out of his college course and the most professional experience he has had is a short spell of work experience in a retail shop some years ago, which was very stressful and left him feeling discriminated against. He undertook a structures programme with Autus where he gained a Level 1 Award in Employability Skills. He has since continued to volunteer for Autus and act as an Ambassador of the organisation attending various events to raise awareness of Autism and our work.

Recently Autus gained some London Youth CVC funding to run a summer programme, and this included an element to cover costs of a supported employment position for someone with Autism. Nathen was immediately interested, and completed his CV and covering letter for his chance to undertake this role. He attended a formal interview (for which he took great care to prepare) with the Learning and Development Manager and was offered the position.

Nathen started working and was involved in the project planning, development and delivery. He loves foxes and quickly created a fox tail for his avatar inspiring others to be creative about their avatar appearance. Nathen says, "I was helping out with anything or anyone that needed it and I also took pictures to record the programme. I learned to better adapt myself to new people and new places of work. What was I most proud of? The whole thing. I wish I could do it all over again.  My own development has come on in leaps and bounds."

Nathen also made a start on an accredited qualification - Award in IT User Skills at Level 1 as part of this course and opportunity. He gathered evidence from his supported employment for his portfolio. Nathen gained confidence in his own abilities, operated within a professional environment and received feedback on his performance. He personally had to develop his skills to encourage and support others and work as part of a team on a busy fast paced project. He is keen to seek other opportunities now that he has this positive employment opportunity to add to his CV.

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