Joseph was in foster care when he joined Project Apollo - our award-winning programme that worked with care leavers aged 16-25 to support them into employment, education and training. He was isolated, suffered with anxiety and had been diagnosed with Autism. He told me that he didnt know what he wanted to do with his future, but his childhood dream was to be a bus driver.

Together, we explored ideas and visited training providers until we found one where he felt comfortable. Joseph enrolled and completed his Level 2 in Maths, English and Customer Service.

While job searching, Joseph moved into independent living. During this time, as well as employment guidance, I supported Joseph with his anxiety through regular contact often daily and sometimes hourly. Joseph soon secured a cleaning role working at a DWP office his first job ever! I supported Joseph in this job for over a year, until he felt ready for a change.

Joseph talked about wanting to be a support worker in social care. This was influenced by his experience of looking after his mum, who receives social care support, as well as him growing up in the care system. He was used to having detailed conversations with his mums carers and felt the work would be rewarding.

At this time, Friends Together who provided support to Josephs mum were recruiting a Support Worker. After a successful trial, Joseph was taken on full time and now talks about how much he enjoys his work.

I love seeing how far Joseph has come. Hes so much more confident and his natural care and empathy for others really shines through.

His manager told me that Joseph is very independent and his own experiences help him to relate to the clients also that theyre supporting him to work towards a more senior role.

Joseph passed his driving test and now has his own car. Its not the bus he dreamed of as a child, but he has a new dream now and is on the path to achieving it.

Robeina Mustafa, Employment Coach