A young intern placed by a neurodiversity group at Ashford accountancy and business advisory firm Azets made such a great impression that he was offered a permanent position.
Harry Smith initially joined Azets’ Ashford office on a supported internship through pioneering Kent-based social enterprise bemix.
He showed such dedication and aptitude for technology and numbers that he was offered a paid role and has kickstarted his career alongside the office’s other accountancy trainees.
Harry, 21, who has autism, dyslexia and dyspraxia, has successfully completed his onboarding as an assistant in accounts and business advisory services, and is working up to full time hours.
Azets – the UK’s largest regional accounting firm and specialist business advisor to SMEs – threw its weight behind bemix after becoming inspired by the social enterprise’s mission to help provide lifechanging employment opportunities for neuro-diverse young people.
Now the firm is considering rolling out the initiative to its other Kent offices in Canterbury and Maidstone to help more neurodiverse young people fulfil their potential – and has called for other businesses to support bemix too.
Partner Hayley Kingsnorth, who is leading the initiative for Azets, said: “Harry made such a great impression during his internship that we leapt at the opportunity to offer him a permanent position.
“He is brilliant with technology and numbers, conscientious and is an absolute delight in the office where his enthusiasm is contagious.
“He fits in with everyone and has become a tremendous asset to the team.
“Working closely with bemix has allowed us to give back to the community and demonstrate Azets’ values of respect, diversity inclusivity and trust. It was also a sound business decision which has delivered real and tangible benefits for Azets too.
“I would encourage other businesses to support bemix and welcome an intern, it will be absolutely gamechanging for you and lifechanging for them.”
Harry, who lives in a village just outside of Ashford, was supported by a bemix work coach during his internship, with the level of help scaled back as he settled into his role
He said: “Gaining a permanent position at Azets is a major milestone in my life, which I’ve been working hard to achieve.
“It is great to be in an environment where I am part of team, where everyone is so accepting and supportive. I’m really enjoying my new job and looking forward to the opportunities to advancing my career with Azets.”
Bemix, formerly known as Skillnet Group, are people with and without learning difficulties and/or autism working together to achieve equality. Bemix supports people to learn skills, gain employment and become more independent.
Its supported internship scheme helps young people transition from education to paid work via placements which help build confidence, independence and employability.
Mark Rose, bemix employment lead, said: “Harry’s success at Azets is the perfect example of how supported internships can make such a difference.
“With the support of forward-thinking employers, they allow young people such as Harry to flourish in the workplace and make a meaningful contribution to a business.
“We are grateful for the support of Azets and hope this will be the start of a long and worthwhile partnership.”
Azets’ Ashford office is in Dover Place.
Visit https://www.bemix.org/ and https://www.azets.co.uk/ for more details.