For Thomas, stepping into the world of work has been transformational.
In his own words, he says: “My job changed my life.”
Thomas lives with his mum, his brother and his cat, Mittens.
He loves animals and spends much of his time outside work with his girlfriend and her pets. Work is now a central part of his life, something he values for the routine, independence and sense of purpose it brings.
From an early age, Thomas knew he wanted a job. At school, catering was his favourite subject, and when he left education, he wanted to move into paid work. But finding a role wasn’t straightforward.
“I wanted to work,” Thomas says, “but it was hard to find work.”
Before he was employed, Thomas found talking to people difficult and lacked confidence in unfamiliar situations.
Things began to change when Thomas joined the Supported Employment Programme with Hft.
“I had to write a CV, and my Hft coach helped me do that,” Thomas says. “That’s how I got the job I have now.”
Thomas completed placements at a local engineering company in different roles, starting in cleaning and then moving into work in the car parks. These placements gave him time to learn the job, understand the workplace and get to know his colleagues.
“When I started, I wouldn’t talk to anyone,” Thomas says. “I let the colleague I worked with do the talking.”
Over time, that changed. Being at work helped Thomas build confidence in himself and his abilities. “The job has pretty much helped me grow my confidence by myself,” he explains. “Now I can talk to other people.”
Before Thomas completed all his placements, the company recognised what he brought to the role and offered him a permanent job. “They sent an email saying they wanted to hire me straight away,” he says. “My job changed my life.”
Now, Thomas has been in his role for a year. He works full time, keeping the car parks clean and welcoming. Thomas takes pride in being reliable and hardworking.
Part of his role also includes supporting visits from school groups. “We get school children coming to learn about working here and the different roles,” he explains. “I get to help them learn about what’s what in the big world.”
Work fits around Thomas’s life and what matters to him. When his mum was diagnosed with cancer, his job meant he could support her alongside working. “When I finish work, I have time to call my mum and ask if she needs anything,” he says. “Then I go to the shops and pick up things she needs. I like caring for people.”
Thomas continues to meet weekly with his Employment Coach, Louise, for ongoing support.
His experience reflects a wider picture. Across the UK, only around 29% of working-age adults with a learning disability are in paid employment, even though almost half of those not in work say they would like a job, according to Mencap.
Thomas is clear about the difference the right support can make. “They don’t just help you get a job,” he says. “They help you in the adult working world.”
For Learning Disability Week, Thomas’s story is about more than employment. It’s about what becomes possible with the right support: confidence built over time, purpose found through meaningful work, and a life shaped by choice, relationships and contribution.
Too often, learning disabled people are overlooked. Because of the supporters, allies and enablers of change more people like Thomas are being seen, heard and valued every day.
Find out how you can support learning disabled adults like Thomas on our Learning Disability Week page.
