Stepping Stones and Translink NI 

Case Study - Mark

After successfully completing Independent travel Training and Workability with Stepping Stones NI, Mark progressed to the Employment Service. Through vocational profiling it was discovered that he has a very keen interest in vehicles and wanted to work in a role in this area. After some research a placement was sought with Translink in Lisburn. This work placement, supported by Stepping Stones NI, saw Mark thrive and over time led to an offer of paid employment. 

Mark is autistic and during his placement, was provided with ongoing individually tailored support from Stepping Stones NI. This support included regular onsite visits from a Job Coach, regular reviews with both Mark and his employer, assistance during internal training sessions, disability awareness training for staff, and the provision of advice and ongoing guidance along the way. This support, although reduced and distanced over time in line with Mark and his employer’s support needs, continues throughout his time in employment. 

From the outset Translink and Stepping Stones NI worked closely to develop an individual job description that matched Mark’s skills and abilities. This has been reviewed and adjusted over time to enable Mark to progress and reach his full employment potential. In addition to this his employer recognised that Mark learned and worked in a different way and made reasonable adjustments in both his daily tasks and the training processes used.

Mark says “Getting this job is one of the best things that has happened to me in my life. I’m glad I got the job and someone else didn’t get it. I enjoy my job and I like the work I do, it’s good to get paid as well.”

Mark’s employer has commented “Mark is with us 3 days a week on a part time paid capacity. Mark follows direction well and completes all his jobs to a high standard. At the start a new job needs to be demonstrated to him but Mark follows a very structured routine, is methodical, and very meticulous. He does things to the letter and is eager to learn new tasks as well. As he got more confident in the job he started to use his initiative and now when it’s not busy he will head off and complete his list of duties. Over the time Mark has been with us he has become an asset to our team.”

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