Joshua’s success story.

The Power of IPS: Unlocking hidden talent and building inclusive workforces.

Joshua, an 18-year-old diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), faced significant challenges when he joined the Work Wise programme. The programme uses the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model to help individuals overcome barriers to work and support businesses to access untapped talent and strengthen their workforce. 

His condition made navigating social interactions, communicating with employers, and understanding the unspoken expectations of the workplace extremely difficult. 

Despite having the skills and motivation to succeed, Joshua had been unemployed for a year. He struggled with confidence, felt isolated, and was unsure how to present himself to potential employers. Without targeted support, his abilities risked going unnoticed – a common reality for many talented individuals with hidden disabilities. 

Personalised  IPS support. 

The Work Wise programme, delivered in partnership with Surrey County Council, provided Joshua with the intensive, personalised support that the IPS model champions. Get Set UK IPS Employment Specialist, John Moriarty, worked with Joshua to: 

✅ Develop a strong CV highlighting Joshua’s strengths and skills in a way employers could easily understand. 

✅ Practice interview techniques through mock interviews, helping Joshua manage his anxiety, communicate clearly, and build confidence. 

✅ Support job applications, tailoring them carefully to different roles and guiding Joshua through the process. 

✅ Prepare for workplace expectations, including advice on dress code and strategies for managing social situations at work. 

 Regular one-to-one meetings gave Joshua a safe, supportive space to work through his anxieties and focus on practical steps towards employment. The consistent coaching helped him shift from feeling overwhelmed to feeling empowered. 

A new opportunity for Joshua and Sainsbury’s 

Thanks to his hard work and support from John, Joshua successfully secured part-time employment at Sainsbury’s. This role has given him financial independence, daily structure, and the opportunity to develop social connections – milestones that are especially important for someone managing autism-related challenges.  

By carefully matching Joshua’s skills and strengths to the requirements of the role Sainsbury’s advertised, the Work Wise programme ensured a strong fit for both Joshua and Sainsbury’s. This provided them with a motivated team member whose abilities directly support their operational needs whilst supporting their goal of leadership accountability by demonstrating a commitment to inclusive hiring practices. 

Using the IPS model, Get Set UK helps organisations tap into untapped talent pools and advance their diversity and inclusion goals, creating stronger, more innovative teams whilst helping people who are facing barriers to employment to find meaningful work.