Jared Kingston has a small flock of bantam chickens which he rears for laying eggs, and is supported in his pursuit by his four-legged sidekick, Boo the chihuahua.

He has started an enterprise selling eggs to friends and family, which is growing through word of mouth.

Jared, aged 22, has been supported by Work Your Way – a one year internship programme designed for young adults with an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) to prepare them for working life.

He said: “I enjoy working with chickens because they all have their own funky little personalities. Ones that I keep, I give them names – I have Nugget, Kiev and Bargain Bucket! So far, I’ve been selling my eggs through word of mouth to friends and family.”

Whilst the wider group at Work Your Way have been carrying out work experience and learning life skills such as budgeting, planning travel, teamwork and employability, Jared, who is autistic, prefers to work independently and was keen to develop his own business.

The team at Work Your Way, which is delivered by Cornwall Rural Community Charity, adapted the programme to support Jared to write a business plan, health and safety training and work one-to-one with a learning support assistant.

He has other business ideas, including one for creating jewellery from nurdles – pieces of microplastic that are washed up on Cornwall’s beaches.

“Work Your Way has made a big difference,” said Jared. I’ve been able to build up my confidence and independent skills. My maths is improving.”

Martin Prodger, development lead at Work Your Way, said: “It’s been brilliant to see Jared’s confidence grow through the personalised support we’ve been able to provide him in his community.

“Our goal with Work Your Way is to help the young people on our programme to gain paid employment, formal volunteer work or another meaningful activity. For Jared, that’s been to explore opportunities for self-employment. We’re excited to see how his business ideas progress.”

Work Your Way is delivered alongside the Learn Your Way programme and aims to bridge the gap between education and employment for young people aged 18-24 with an ECHP.  

Learn Your Way is currently recruiting for an Education Service Manager and Education Support Assistants for Learn Your Way and Work Your Way. The service is holding an open morning in Truro on Wednesday 12th July, 10.30am to 12.30pm at at Pehaligon House, Green St, Truro TR1 2LH.

To book email: adam.strowger@cornwallrcc.org.uk