A man is to hit new heights as the first Brit with Down’s syndrome to become a fully qualified scaffolder.
Todd Scanlon, 32, was offered an apprenticeship by a company four years ago and has since impressed with his eagerness and professionalism.
He has also recently been accepted onto a course to gain his qualifications.
Proud mum Vicky Scanlon praised his boss Martyn Coles for giving her son a chance.
She said: “You’ve helped Todd achieve so much – physically, mentally, passing courses and getting awards.”
Todd was hired by Coles Scaffolding in October 2018 and quickly became a valued worker.
Speaking after joining, he said: “I mainly do a lot of fittings and carrying. I wanted to go into scaffolding because it’s my favourite thing to do.”
Todd was later named the UK’s top apprentice and Martyn said he has no regrets about hiring him.
He explained: “Having him on the site is great, he’s a good presence, all of the customers like him. He comes in every day and proves people wrong.”
Vicky said Todd’s success story highlights the difficulty people with disabilities can have finding employment.
She added: “When Todd was growing up you get used to the idea he won’t have the same life as everybody else, but with Martyn doing this for him he’s getting there.”
Todd, from Swindon, Wilts, works alongside five colleagues and his role involves ensuring the scaffolding is safe and level.
Martyn’s firm has adopted the slogan “No Stigma” to show Todd’s disability does not hinder him.
Martyn said: “We want to show he can do it. Everyone is entitled to work. Todd does all the same tasks as us.”
