Before finding his current role, Tom Jerram was actively searching for work, attending interviews, and
completing trial shifts. However, he struggled to find an employer who would give him the "big break" he
needed to secure a permanent role.
Ingeus and AutonoMe:
Through our partnership with Ingeus on the Restart Scheme, Tom received comprehensive support
tailored to his needs.
Ingeus played a vital role in preparing Tom for the recruitment process by helping him find work trials, conducting interview preparation, and supporting his mental health.
AutonoMe provided specialised 1-1 support in pre-employment sessions, which has now continued into workplace employment support, funded by Access to Work, supporting him to understand his autism, learn coping mechanisms for the workplace, develop skills specific to his employment, and build independent living skills.
Tom utilised the AutonoMe app's specialised videos to find answers to his questions and build his confidence.
Overcoming Barriers to Employment
A significant milestone for Tom was learning how to disclose his neurodiversity to his employer. He notes
that discussing this during an AutonoMe session and then speaking to the employer felt like "a huge weight
off my chest".
Success in the Workplace
Since starting his role at McDonald's, Tom has excelled. He has quickly mastered various stations, including
the drink section and the till, and has even taken on training. His hard work has not gone unnoticed; his
manager recognised him on the company’s internal social platform as one of the hardest workers on his
shift.
Reflecting on his success, Tom shared: "It has felt brilliant to see my name as being one of the hardest
(working) people on my shift. And it feels like I'm actually doing something right for once."
Looking Ahead
While Tom plans to progress within McDonald's, his long-term ambition is to become a psychiatrist. Having
managed his own journey with autism, depression, and anxiety, he wants to help others realise they are not
alone.
