Finding the right fit: how Nicholas built a career that works for him
When Nicholas Johnson left college, he was keen to move straight into paid employment. He explored several options, including apprenticeships, but found the job search process difficult.
"Employers just didn't seem to gel with me," he said. "I didn't really understand why."
In the end, Nicholas decided to continue his education and went on to study for a degree in IT.
After graduating, he was delighted to secure an IT role with a financial organisation in London. However, it quickly became clear that the job was not the right fit.
"There were a lot of people in my building, and they'd all come to my desk whenever they wanted to, to talk to me or ask things of me. It was just hectic.
"I didn't know at the time that I was autistic or why I was finding it so difficult to manage. I didn't have the social skills to navigate asking for help, and I felt too immobilised to even leave the job.
"I was overcome by inertia. I'd go to work from 9am to 5pm but then could do nothing at all in the evenings and at weekends, just waiting and worrying about going back to work."
Through his workplace health insurance, Nicholas was able to access therapy. During their sessions, his therapist suggested that he might be autistic. After some initial screening indicated a high likelihood of autism, Nicholas decided to pursue a formal diagnosis.
Wanting to access the support he needed and return to employment as soon as possible; he made the decision to pay privately rather than join a lengthy NHS waiting list.
During his period of unemployment, Nicholas was referred to ECL's Inclusive Employment service. Once his diagnosis was underway, he was introduced to Inclusive Employment Consultant Katie Connolly.
I was basically on the road to burnout, which just worsened until I reached breaking point.
Nicholas Johnson, Customer Services Assistant, The Woodland Group
Building a Clear Picture
Katie began by completing a Vocational Profile with Nicholas to understand his strengths, preferences and employment goals.
"It helped immensely," said Nicholas. "It helped both Katie and I work out exactly what type of job I needed."
Together, they identified the key factors that would help Nicholas thrive. He wanted a role close to home, with minimal commuting and the opportunity to work from home some of the time. He knew that having quieter days at home helped him recharge.
The workplace environment also mattered. Nicholas was looking for a calm atmosphere, somewhere he could take breaks in a quiet space, and a supportive manager who would take the time to understand his needs and provide guidance rather than expecting him to work completely independently from the outset.
Katie also recognised that Nicholas relied heavily on strict routines and found change challenging. To help build his confidence and flexibility, she gradually introduced small adjustments to their meeting arrangements while maintaining familiar surroundings and clear communication.
Over time, Nicholas became more comfortable adapting to change, a skill that would prove valuable throughout his job search.
I felt so much better because it was clear what we were looking for.
Nicholas Johnson, Customer Services Assistant, The Woodland Group
A Search for the Right Opportunity
Finding the right role was not a quick process. Nicholas and Katie spent nearly a year searching for opportunities that matched his skills, aspirations and support needs.
"Katie put her heart and soul into job searching for me," Nicholas said. "She showed me lots of opportunities, but I never felt pressured into pursuing something for the sake of it. She understood it had to be right for it to have any chance of success."
There were challenges along the way. At one stage, Nicholas came very close to securing what seemed like the perfect IT position. Katie supported him through interview preparation, helping him feel confident and ready.
Although he performed well, another candidate was ultimately offered the role.
"I was disappointed," Nicholas admitted. "It felt like a good match for my skills and it felt like the employer would be understanding of my needs, so it was a bit of a blow.
Katie helped me stay positive and we knew that I'd get there eventually. Katie never gave up and was always communicating with me
Nicholas Johnson, Customer Services Assistant, The Woodland Group
An Employer Open to Possibilities
While Nicholas was continuing his search, ECL Job Broker Jenny Price was developing a relationship with the Woodland Group in the hope of establishing them as one of ECL’s Inclusive Employers.
"I met with Beverley Mathews, HR Manager and Claire Rutherwood, Recruitment Manager at their head office and right from the start I thought, 'wow, this environment is perfect for someone with autism or a learning disability'," said Jenny.
"They had really considered everything, and Beverley and Claire were so supportive and open to growing a more diverse workforce."
Although there were no suitable vacancies at the time, Jenny felt there was potential for a future match. She arranged an informal visit for Nicholas to meet the team and learn more about the organisation.
The visit took place during Nicholas's usual lunch break, something that would previously have caused significant stress. Thanks to the work he had done with Katie, he approached the situation confidently and handled the change well.
The meeting was a success, and everyone left feeling that there could be a place for Nicholas at the Woodland Group if the right opportunity arose.
Just three months later, that opportunity arrived.
The Woodland Group invited Nicholas to apply for a Customer Services Assistant role at their Chelmsford head office. To help him feel at ease, the interview was conducted as an informal conversation rather than a traditional panel interview.
"It went so well that I had a strong feeling during the interview that I was going to be offered the job," Nicholas said.
He was right.
In June 2025, Nicholas began his new role with the Woodland Group.
Creating the Conditions for Success
From day one, the Woodland Group worked closely with Nicholas and ECL to create an environment where he could succeed.
Rather than expecting him to start full-time immediately, they allowed him to begin on reduced hours and gradually increase them at a pace that felt manageable. When Nicholas felt ready, he chose to move to full-time hours.
The organisation also encouraged him to take breaks in a quiet space and later introduced home working arrangements after his probation period had been completed.
Today, Nicholas plays a vital role supporting The woodland Group's small business customers across England and Scotland. He coordinates pallet freight deliveries, tracks consignments and helps resolve issues such as delays, missing freight and damaged goods.
"It's the ideal job for me," he said. "I go to work, I have a busy and rewarding day, but then I can leave it behind until the next day and go home and switch off.
"When I was doing the IT job, I had so many ongoing projects running through my head all the time. I think it contributed to my burnout.
The methodical nature of the job suits me. Not everything goes to plan, so there's enough problem solving to keep my brain engaged
Nicholas Johnson, Customer Services Assistant., The Woodland Group
Ongoing Support Makes the Difference
ECL's support did not end once Nicholas secured employment.
Katie continued working with both Nicholas and the Woodland Group to help address any challenges as they arose and ensure that the adjustments in place remained effective.
For example, Nicholas found telephone conversations with customers particularly difficult. By working together, ECL and the Woodland Group identified a simple solution. A colleague took responsibility for customer calls, while Nicholas focused on email communication, allowing him to play to his strengths.
On another occasion, Katie noticed that Nicholas's commitment to doing a good job was causing him to worry about falling behind and skip his breaks. Recognising the risk of burnout, she spoke with his supervisor, Ryan Clifford, who ensured Nicholas was regularly encouraged to step away from his desk and take proper breaks.
Ryan believes ECL's input has been invaluable.
"Nicholas has become a valued member of the team, consistently demonstrating dedication, reliability and a strong work ethic," he said.
"His success is a testament not only to his own commitment, but also to the excellent support and preparation provided by ECL throughout the employment journey."
"ECL took the time to educate and prepare our management team, helping us better understand autism and the practical adjustments that could make a real difference."
ECL's guidance gave us the confidence to create an inclusive working environment and support our new colleague from day one.
Ryan Clifford, Business Development Supervisor, The Woodland Group
A Partnership That Benefits Everyone
The collaborative efforts of Nicholas, ECL and the Woodland Group have led to outstanding results.
Nicholas is thriving in work and has seen positive changes across all areas of his life.
"I'm so much happier and healthier now," he said.
"I can't thank Katie enough for her support. I feel like I'm not alone in this. Even if this job fizzles out or I decide I want to move on, I know I can come back to Katie and the team at ECL."
Jenny is equally positive about the partnership with the Woodland Group.
"It is clear they are fully committed to creating opportunities for people with disabilities. They saw potential in Nicholas and created a role that he could excel in. They listened to us and readily made small adjustments to help him succeed."
"That's not just commitment. That's real action, and it's wonderful to see how it has paid dividends in the form of a reliable, dedicated and hard-working employee."
The feeling is mutual.
Claire Rutherford, Recruitment Manager at the Woodland Group, said:
"I would highly recommend ECL to any employer looking to strengthen their team and broaden access to opportunity.
"ECL takes the time to understand your business by visiting you directly, allowing them to match you with the right talent and support you throughout recruitment, onboarding and any ongoing needs.
"Every interaction I've had with ECL demonstrates how well they understand the people they support and the care they take in recognising each individual's skills and potential."
For Nicholas, finding the right job was about far more than securing employment. It was about finding an environment where he could be himself, use his strengths and build a sustainable future. Thanks to a partnership built on trust, understanding and perseverance, that is exactly what he has found.
I can't speak highly enough of the Woodland Group as an inclusive employer.
Jenny Price, Inclusive Employment Job Broker, ECL