Taylor writes...

I currently live with my mum and younger brother. I was diagnosed as being on the autistic spectrum and having ADHD when I was a child.

I went through mainstream school and managed to get GCSEs and then went to college to study for a BTEC Level 3 in Music Technology.

When I left college in June 2018, I really struggled with the job-searching process and I found it difficult to get interviews.

I first heard about Community Connections through my work coach at Huntingdon Job Centre. She felt that the project would be able to help give me the advice and guidance I needed to get into work.

My advisor noticed that I was competent using IT but did not have a specific qualification in the main software packages commonly used in the workplace.

We both thought it would be a good idea to consolidate these skills into a qualification so I started a certificate in ICT User Skills Level 2.

Together we worked on my CV, made sure I was registered with the most popular job-search sites and that I had prepared a suitable covering letter. I also did a one-month work placement in hospitality which gave me a good insight into customer service.

I applied for a job at Cineworld as this job was very customer service-focused and I thought that would be a good fit. I had some help with the application process and I was invited for an interview before being offered a job, working 24 hours a week

I feel that the guidance I received around the job search process was very helpful and would also be of use for any future applications.

From not having much success with finding and applying for jobs, I have gained experience, training and a qualification and I am now in paid employment. I now also have a better understanding of the job-searching process.

I feel that Community Connections has been useful and I have achieved my main objective – and accomplished a couple more that I had not thought about.