Daniel Mason had tried his hand at everything from catering to roofing before starting his role at New Warlands Farm.
The 34-year-old from Newcastle has worked in warehouses, kitchens, and factories, but found that none of these were the right place for him.
However, a work placement organised by Working Together NE, an employment programme delivered in partnership by the North East Autism Society (NEAS) and Azure Charitable Enterprises, soon became an opportunity for Dan to pursue his career goals.
Now, Dan is making the most of every chance to get hands-on experience of farm labour, working part-time at New Warlands Farm, a site in County Durham run by NEAS.
He’s helped develop the land for when the farm opens as a visitor centre next year, plant trees, manage livestock, and grow fruit and veg.
Dan said: “We’ve been planting pears, apple trees, learning about grafting plants. Doing the gravel paths. So, a lot of manual labour.”
Working alongside Farm Manager Dave Wilde has also given Dan a unique opportunity to further his own learning.
Dan added:
“If I didn’t come here, I wouldn’t have got the opportunity to work on the machines, which will further develop my career working on construction.”
Logging hours on the farm’s dump truck means Dan can progress towards his Level 2 Forward Tipping Dumper NVQ, which will open his options for future work in the construction industry, something Dan has always wanted to do.
Dan said: “I would like to be on a farm or in construction, working with machines.
“I find machines are really easy, once you know how they work.”
A work coach at the jobcentre referred Dan to the Working Together NE programme, which supports autistic and neurodivergent people across the North East to find work, improve social inclusion, and boost their wellbeing.
Employment advisor Alex Hall worked with Dan before the placement began, building his confidence and explore opportunities for work.
Dan said. “The hardest thing was doing nothing. I felt like I was just wasting time, because I was constantly waiting for appointments, waiting to get stuff sorted.
“I didn’t have much confidence in myself, and Alex has restored that and provided us with these opportunities to thrive.”
Other specialists from Working Together NE further built on this work, supporting Dan with an Access to Work claim, which allows him to get transport to the farm, and with ongoing support in work.
After experiencing health problems caused by frequent night shifts in warehouses, working outside, even in the difficult weather, has been something Dan welcomed.
“It’s been really enjoyable, I like being out in the elements,” Dan said.
“The more I come here, the more confident I feel going to do other things.”
