Partnership helps autistic teenager shine in the workplace

An autistic teenager who was excluded from school is now shining at work thanks to a partnership between L.E.A.D. IT Services and Transition2.

Shae Ormond was excluded from school for a year but has now been given a chance to shine with a weekly work placement at L.E.A.D. IT Services.

The firm, a social enterprise providing technical support to more than 250 schools, academy trusts and businesses across the UK, has partnered with Transition2, which is Derby City Council’s skills and support hub.

Transition 2 works with 18 to 25-year-olds with special educational needs to prepare them for adulthood through tailored vocational programmes and support to develop skills for life and work.

The partnership sees Shae travelling to the Pride Park-based company each week where he has been getting stuck into the world of work under the guidance of technician Jamie Quinn.

The project has been so successful that Shae has continued to come to L.E.A.D. IT Services voluntarily on his day off after his placement ended.

He also no longer needs the support of his key worker Debbie Jones in his weekly sessions at the company.

Shae said: “I was sad when I was out of school and thought – ‘what else am I going to do?’ Now I’ve got my purpose back.

“Honestly, I thought I was going to last for one day! But when Debbie told me that Jamie wanted me to come back because I’d made a good impression, I thought –‘this is a real opportunity’.

“L.E.A.D. IT Services is so supportive. Jamie is so caring, he really helps me out in building up my skills. They’re a good company – fantastic people.”

Jamie said: “I’ve loved being Shae’s mentor. I’ve loved seeing his development and growth, and how he has created a rapport with everyone in the office.

“It’s been good to see him expand in confidence – it’s getting to that point where he just cracks on with it.

“I think Transition2 is such as positive organisation in trying to give people that platform to really showcase what they can do – and it’s a great opportunity for me in my career to experience being a mentor, too.”

Debbie Jones, from Transition2, said: “The transition Shae has been on is huge.

“He has grown into someone who can go into a workplace and be effective.”

Lee Jepson, managing director of L.E.A.D. IT Services, said: “We’re passionate about giving people opportunities at L.E.A.D. IT Services and our partnership with Transition2 is important to every member of the team here.

“It’s been wonderful to see how much Shae has grown in confidence and ability since coming to us every week.”