2025 Winner
SHANE LEE
Young man with autism has landed his dream job at Marks & Spencers and is a hit with customers and staff
Shane, 26, who lives with his gran and brother, has gone from believing he would never be ready for the world of work to finding his vocation working as front of house in a busy M&S in Dundee.
Being on the autism spectrum, he was worried that his condition meant he would never have the confidence or team working skills needed to hold down a job.
Shane is also a carer for his older brother, who has Cerebral palsy, and worried that employment might limit how much he would be able to help with his sibling.
But he decided to make the leap out of his comfort zone and signed up with The King’s Trust who were offering an employability programme with M&S.
Despite reservations due to his lack of previous work experience, Shane convinced his caseworker that he was ready and was put onto a taster day where he blew King’s Trust staff and M&S management away with his enthusiasm and positive attitude.
Shane was granted a place on the four-week course where his incredible customer service skills made him a favourite with shop regulars and at the end of the course he was offered a contract.
He said: “A few years ago, I never imagined I could get a job. I have autism, so I thought I wouldn’t have the confidence or the skills needed to do a job justice.”
“I knew I could take on responsibility because I help out my Gran and brother at home – with the cooking or cleaning and things like that. Still it just seemed like without the right skills for the workplace, no one was interested in me. But I was very determined and now I have my dream job.”
He added: “I’m just so proud of myself and how far I’ve come. I really appreciate everything The King’s Trust and M&S have done for me. I know that my family are proud of me, and that means so much.”