Published on 12, July, 2020
Hi. A friend of mine who is 19 with ASD (I'm sure of it) wants a career in electronics. At high school he completed a GCSE in Design and Technology - Electronic Products. He got (I am told) a grade "A" in practicals and a "C" in electronics theory (I think an overall grade of "B" - or grade 6). But he only got a grade 2 in math and 3 in English (Need grade 4 for a standard pass in GCSEs). He took his math and English GCESs again recently, but won't know until August his results. At school he also did the European Computer Driving License (ECDL), where he got a distinction.
The problem he has got is that his math and English GCSE results are poor and that's why they had him doing gardening in his first year, In his second year he did business and some IT studies. For this coming September, the local college don't want him to continue with IT/ computing, they want him to do retail. His parents have decided he is not going back to college to do retail.
Anyway, at some point he has done some coding in class and pupils have come to him when they got stuck. So, the way forward seems to be for him to focus first on coding. It might be that through coding he will get to grips with electronics. In other words if he first gets to grips with coding that might lead to an understanding of electronics, and is preferable to getting a grip on electronics leading to an understanding of coding. Who knows but in the end my friend might end up focusing on coding.
I just wonder if anyone here has experience of trying to get on in a career in electronics or coding where ASD has been an issue. Especially if it's been difficult to sort out a placement at college. Thanks. Rich
Further to my original starting post: Although my friend has said he has in interest in electronics, his college studies over the past 2 years have not propelled him forward with that in mind He studied gardening one year, then this year business and IT. No doubt because he does not yet have a GCSE pass in English and math. Now the college want him to get into retail. But, anyway, I think it is becoming clearer that whether or not my friend wishes to have a career in electronics, his best bet is to set his hand to learning code (computer programming). I think we have a typical case where my friend has difficulty with many things, which to outsiders makes him appear non too bright, but he is bright and he's a natural at coding. Therefore I think my advice to my friend ought to be don't get too hung up about electronics, first learn coding, and let a study of electronics come second. In other words have a goal to become coder and if he has an aptitude for electronics, well, that's icing on the cake. I'm now searching for possible courses (in Kirklees area) he could start this September that involve coding and where he could also be helped with his GCSE math & English. Or even online courses.
Hi Richard, I work in apprenticeships and really believe in them! Is this something your friend would consider? You get the added benefit of gaining industry experience, gaining recognised quals and get paid for the pleasure. These days it's experience that counts and there's no better way of gaining experience in the working environment than an apprenticeship (OK I'll stop the sales pitch now!).
Another thing your friend would benefit from an apprenticeship is the English and maths training that's required. Your friend would be up-skilled to sit functional skills in English and maths as part of the apprenticeship. I've had a quick search in your area:
Electronics:
https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeship/-410980
Software developer:
https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeship/-400467
https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeship/-432750