#DisabilityWorks - AMRC IS EMPLOYER OF THE WEEK

Dan Ryan, who has cerebral palsy, can’t say how grateful he is to have a job at a University of Sheffield research centre - but he can show it.

The 20-year-old says he’s treated the same as anyone at the AMRC, where “everyone helps everyone else.”

And it this combination of having a job he loves and the no-fuss approach to helping him that has left him loyal to the core.

The #DisabilityWorks campaign aims to show the benefits of employing disabled talent, for tailored recruitment support, go to: Click this link Or call 0114 2760039.

Dan, from Mosborough, is an administrator’s assistant based in the Factory of the Future, part of the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre in Waverley, Rotherham.

His jobs include paying invoices, creating orders and ensuring travel insurance is up to date for the 500 staff.

He said: “I really love what I do. This is my first job and my employer has been really understanding when I need hospital appointments and things like that.

“I can’t thank them enough for the opportunity – everyone just treats me like a normal person.

“I want to pay them back with the way I work and never let them down. I want them to feel like they picked the right person.

“I also couldn’t do it without my mum, who drops me off and picks me up every day and works as well.”

Dan came through the AMRC Training Centre and received his business administration apprentice certificate in February from Sir Alex Ferguson.

The Manchester United legend has a long-standing interest in apprentices - having been one himself - and the AMRC.

Dan added: “It was overwhelming. He said, ‘Well done and keep doing what you’re doing and you will get there’. I said, ‘I’ve always looked up to you,’ even though I’m a massive Wednesday fan.

“You can’t let life get you down, you’ve got to drive forward. You only live once.”

Christine Ridgway, AMRC office manager, said they received no suitable applicants after advertising for a business administration apprentice. And then she saw Dan’s CV.

She added: “We met Dan at our training centre. He impressed us with his enthusiasm and his smile. He is always smiling, always upbeat- even when Sheffield Wednesday get beaten!

“The AMRC’s admin team took him on to do purchasing. He completed his apprenticeship course early this year and now does purchasing, payment invoices, travel insurance and car hire for the group. He is a very bright young man and is being trained in computer-aided design.

“We didn’t have to make many adjustments. He has a little support from social services and has fitted in really easily.

“He is a pleasure to have in the team and never whinges! He is always in a positive frame of mind, very fashion conscious.

“He has recently been promoted to clerical assistant so I reckon he will be spending his pay rise on more designer clothes!”

The #DisabilityWorks campaign aims to show the benefits of employing disabled talent, for tailored recruitment support, go to: Click this link Or call 0114 2760039.