The route to work: Glenis’ journey

Glenis, a young autistic woman, took part in a year long supported internship at Project Search Supported Internship at Kings College Hospital in 2021-22.  After graduating from her internship, Glenis continued on the Unity Works Bounce Back Programme to find paid work and maintain her admin skills learnt on her internship. The Bounce Back programme is funded by the Walcot Foundation’s Bounce Back Programme and offers an employment pathway for young people with a learning disability and/or who are autistic who live in Lambeth.

Whilst Glenis gained many skills in her internship, she continued to struggle with interviews and demonstrating her learnt experience. She was also very anxious about independent travel which was a barrier to her applying for roles outside of her local area.

Working with her Employment Advisor, Glenis has gained skills and confidence in independent travel and is now able to plan journeys independently using apps such as Google Maps.

Glenis successfully applied for a seasonal front of house role at the Old Vic Theatre for a Christmas production. This role was great way for Glenis to use her customer service, admin skills and professionality skills that she had developed over the years as well as adding to her CV.

Following her time at the Old Vic, Glenis expanded her job search across new roles and sectors. We’re excited to announce that Glenis has been offered a part time paid work as a teaching assistant to support students on employability courses at Royal Bank of Canada.

Following this offer, we caught up with Glenis to find out more about her experience looking for work:

How did Unity Works help you with your CV and your interview techniques?

“When I first showed Unity Works my CV, they helped me improve it with my skills and experience and cut it down [in length]”.

Unity Works helped me with mock interviews, practicing on zoom, making notes for interviews and being more confident with interviews. They also came with me to interviews to support me.

When Unity Works came to support me for interviews, I was nervous at the beginning. I prepped the questions and answered the questions for the employers. [My employment advisor] helped me get better at being more confident at interviews when the employer asks you questions at the end of the interview”.

Unity Works has made me feel more confident finding more opportunities on different job sites, finding out if the job is suitable for me.

“What would your advice be to people with a learning disability?”

“When you want to achieve something that you want, you need support from family, friends. They will help you achieve your goals! Be yourself, don’t let anyone get in your way. Its okay to be nervous. It helps you to breathe. Don’t get panicky. Drink some water and listen to music. Believe in yourself. Believe in positive vibes. It helps you get you where you want to go!”