Published on 12, July, 2020
Hello, I am wanting some advice on employment for my 22yr old Son. Diagnosed with High Functioning Autism with complex communication issues.
My son has been working voluntarily for a Heritage Railway for the past 2 years. He has shown a good apptitude in all areas he has been trained in. Including the standardised code and tests for railway safety. He currently volunteers as a train guard as well as other areas of maintenance, of the safe running of the Heritage railway.
There have been various full and part time jobs advertised which he has applied for over the past 2yrs but not even been offered an interview!!
Being my sons official appointee, I contacted the company on my sons behalf to ask for an update on how they see my son as a future employee. Mainly due to his Job Coach at the Job Centre asking for an appraisal.
I received an email from the HR and Manager stating how my son was a valued member of the volunteer team and was often willing to undertake jobs that other volunteers and permanent employees shyed away from. He is safety conscious and has shown vigilance in ensuring all the safety and safe running of the railway.
My son has applied for various permanent jobs that have been advertised, but at the time it was felt that he did not fit the criteria for the job advertised.
This year the company have expanded and are now advertising for various seasonal, aswell as permanent roles.
All of which, my son has training and experience in, as a volunteer! He hasn't so much as been offered an interview!!
I feel the company are now taking the proverbial but my son loves the work and volunteer roles. I'm at a loss as to what to do!! I don't feel I could stop him volunteering as it is valuable work experience and to be fair he loves it so much I don't think he could just walk away, without it destroying his confidence!
I'm hoping someone can help me out on where next to turn for help!!
Thank you
I'm a woman and also older and work in a completely different field (team secretary for a firm that does accountancy and audit among other things). BUT, I think this might also be helpful in your son's case. I understand new systems and learn everything much faster than other people, but am horrible at interviews and interacting with my coworkers. I did some coaching with agencies until I found my current position, which the agent described as "they're a bit boring, but the pay and benefits are good". Which in practice actually translated to "no drama and expectations to be overly sociable, etc." I had a lovely line manager who taught me what to say when I'm overwhelmed with work and how to ask my colleagues for things without getting on their nerves. I've been working for them for the past 2 years and a half. Before, all my jobs lasted no more than a couple months to a year. Speaking to agents was so draining and I dread the day I have to do it again, but it has helped me a lot, in the sense that I got a list of potential interview questions and some agencies have also provided possible answers. Best of luck to your son!
NB I never mentioned I was on the spectrum at any of the interviews. I'm not saying your son should lie, but if it isn't necessary to disclose this fact, I wouldn't.