William's IT skills secure him a job

William is 25 years-old and lives in Colchester. He has Asperger's syndrome which he describes as "a learning disorder where you have trouble making friends."

Mencap's Pathway service helped William to find full-time, paid employment with local firm Millbank Flooring. He is using a computer database system to organise the loads that go on the lorries.

Mary, his boss says: "The work can get quite stressful here but William copes with it really well."

William studied IT at the Colchester Institute which was where he was introduced to Mencap. With support from both Mencap and his mum, William applied for and got the Millbank job which was advertised in a local newspaper.

Mencap helped William to settle in and he has excelled at his job. The company recently installed a new computer system which he mastered quickly.

Mary, William's boss says: "There are times when we've found it difficult but if William gets stressed out we get Pathway in to help. On his good days, he's amazing!"

William enjoys his job very much and says: "You earn money and meet new friends."

He sometimes drives to work and likes to go swimming during his lunch break. William has a passion for photography and has exhibited his work.