Alexander is the wheel deal in his dream job
Great news as garage gives car enthusiast a chance
A car enthusiast has landed his dream job after an East Kilbride garage were so impressed by his efforts during a placement they took him on full-time.
Alexander Hart (24), a former Sanderson High pupil from Greenhills, did a placement through South Lanarkshire College at Knox Brothers Garage near Peel Park .
And recently, the garage’s owner decided to take Alexander on permanently.
Alexander, who has learning difficulties including oral dyspraxia,helps with valets and other odd jobs around the garage.
Proud mum Lynn McDowell told the News: “Alexander absolutely loves it.
“He is car and bike daft so just being around them is enough for him.
“In fact he is daft about anything with an engine in it!
“I think it’s safe to say he has found his ideal job.
“He did a placement at the garage a few days a week while he was at college for a few years and once that was over the owner decided he didn’t want to let him go – so he took him on permanently for 16 hours a week.”
Lynn went on: “The guys at the garage have been absolutely fantastic with him and were more than willing to take him on.
“Companies aren’t always willing to hire young adults with learning difficulties so I think it’s important to highlight a firm that does.
“Things haven’t always been the easiest for Alexander but the guys said he is such a good worker – enthusiastic and dedicated – it is a pleasure for them to have him working for them.”
Alexander also attends The Coalyards Transition Programme run by South Lanarkshire Council.
Lynn added: “It also shows, given a little support, what people like Alexander can achieve.
“There is no reason they can’t go out into the workplace and excel.
“It’s all about firms willing to give people a chance – and I can’t thank the garage enough for doing this.
“Alexander always comes home so excited about what he has done during the day and working alongside the mechanics and seeing the cars up close.”
Allan Knox, garage owner, said: “Alexander has fitted in really well at the garage and all the boys get on with him really well.
“It can be difficult because he very much has his own routine now which we couldn’t change because of his autism but he has come on leaps and bounds since he started with us – not only here but at home.
“Sometimes firms can be wary of taking on people with additional support needs like Alexander but I would say it’s well worth the time and effort – he has become a valuable asset to our business and just loves working here.”