College teams up with employer to support neurodiverse students

A Shropshire business owner is partnering with Telford College to create new employment and work‑experience opportunities for neurodiverse students.

Dave Smith, founder of Shropshire IT Recycling, is drawing on his own lived experience and says he believes that, with the right environment, their energy, creativity and unconventional thinking can become professional strengths.

Mr Smith said: "Being neurodiverse myself, I've always wanted to help young people who are in a similar position.

"If I'd had someone putting their arm around me and encouraging me, I'm convinced I would have moved forward much faster.

"The aim is to give students a safe, understanding setting in which they can build confidence, develop practical skills and explore career paths that play to their individual talents."

One of the first students he has mentored on a work placement has now secured a permanent job with the company alongside achieving a distinction in her T Level studies.

Digital student Aimee Gibson spent one day a week at his offices six months ago.

He said: "When she arrived she was very reserved and not able to look us in the eye.

"We understood this and put no pressure on her. Within two or three weeks she was joking with staff and getting on with everybody.

"We knew that once she found her niche with us, she would fly and that's exactly what has happened."

Aimee, a former Haberdashers' Abraham Darby Academy student, was diagnosed with autism at the age of 19 and struggled in the education system for years.

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She said: "With the digital course at Telford College, I finally felt like I had found a career that I enjoyed and was good at.

"The support system has been great. I'm grateful they showed me that I can do it, despite being autistic.

"Working with the team at Shropshire IT Recycling has enabled me to learn new skills, and the employees I work with make it easier.

"They have taken the time to understand me and make changes so that I am comfortable. No‑one judges anyone, and we all help each other."

Sarah Davies, executive director of employer engagement and partnerships at Telford College, said: "Employers play an absolutely vital role in shaping our students' futures and we are so grateful to Dave and his team for their support.

"When businesses open their doors for work experience and placements, they're not just offering a glimpse of the workplace, they're giving young people the confidence, direction and real‑world understanding that simply can't be replicated in a classroom."