A mother of two from Solihull who avoided computers for around 20 years has transformed her career through an intensive IT training programme – and is now supporting people with autism.
Sharon Harrison, 49, is now helping a group of young men with autism conduct online tasks such as shopping and sending emails after undertaking an intensive IT training programme.
She is now employed part time at Autism West Midlands, where she supports a group of 12 adults with autism, enhancing their own IT skills and encouraging their independence.
The Kingshurst resident, who is visually impaired and has cataracts, had worked across the care industry and the hospitality sector for most of her career until she was made redundant in August 2020.
She eventually decided to boost her IT skills, having rarely used computers in the past and having found previous training courses unsuccessful.
Sharon is now comfortable using most basic computing applications including Microsoft Office, and used these skills as well as guidance from her training provider PET-Xi to draft an effective CV and contact a potential employer, before participating in an online interview.
She also helps colleagues navigate Zoom and Microsoft Teams for weekly meetings despite having no previous IT experience prior to undertaking the online programme.
Sharon said: “The course was short and effective, and played a massive part in helping me to find my new role which never would have been possible before. I’m no longer scared of computers, I’m the one giving advice.
“I’m now working in a role that never would have been an option for me prior to getting in touch with PET-Xi. I would urge anyone looking to take advantage of all the post-pandemic job opportunities out there to look into how they can improve their prospects with their help.
“The course was delivered completely online which meant that the learning was more accessible to me as I have previously found class-based learning quite difficult because of my eyesight.
“I looked at working in an office role when I was made redundant last year, but realised it wasn't for me. Luckily those skills were useful for applying to other jobs and in general for bills and emails.
“The experience has been absolutely invaluable to me, and I am now able to provide a crucial service to Autism West Midlands and its support networks and I feel like I am making a real difference in the community.”
Sharon also took part in PET-Xi’s Team Leading and Customer Service programmes to increase her employability and return to work.
Gary Drake, Senior Contract Manager at PET-Xi, said: “The incredible improvement in Sharon’s IT skills has made her a very employable candidate across a range of industries by reinforcing her good interpersonal skills, which has allowed her to get in touch with potential employers digitally, adapting to the changes caused by the pandemic.
“It’s great to see that she is now putting those skills to good use to support the autistic community, and shows that the right training can help organisations to fill vital roles, and we are delighted that our courses are continuing to retrain people to help them find new careers.”
Sharon’s course was funded via the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).