A company based in Argyll and Bute is urging more employers to hire neurodivergent workers after offering a full-time job to an apprentice with Asperger’s Syndrome.

CX Services in Dunoon describes its 20-year-old print apprentice Riley Macrae-Duffy as “outstanding” and says employers need to focus on the many positives of hiring people whose brains work differently.

Being neurodivergent means having a brain that works differently from the average or “neurotypical” person. This can include people with dyslexia, autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or Tourette’s syndrome.

Riley has Asperger’s Syndrome, a form of autism that can include difficulties with interacting socially and managing emotions.

Riley said: “I was working in a bakery warehouse before and it was a good job. But I wanted to find a place where I could build a career, rather than just have a job. CX Services have offered me that opportunity, and I’m excited about continuing to grow my skills in digital printing.”

CX Services provides services including direct mail, order fulfilment and call centre outsourcing.

Riley’s role as digital print apprentice involves managing the day-to-day running of the company’s digital print machines and related equipment, including a guillotine for cutting card and paper and a folding machine. He also helps with paperwork for Royal Mail items being dispatched.

John Lamont, Technical Services Director at CX Services, said: “Riley is an asset to the organisation. His work ethic is outstanding. He puts 100% effort into everything he does. He has a great personality and is a fantastic team member.

Riley knows what he’s doing and just gets on with it. He likes to be busy and works quite independently, without supervision.”

CX Services managing director Greg Girard said about 5% of UK businesses were prepared to talk about neurodivergence. But only about 1% of them were prepared to do something about it.

Mr Girard added: “If you, like us, are in that 5% that talk about neurodivergence, then you are winning. If you are also like us and in the 1% that are doing something about it, then even better. But if you’re in the 95% who are in the wilderness and haven’t considered the neurodivergent talent pool, then please rethink your strategies.”

To support Riley, the company is working with Jane Stratton, a cognitive learning expert who specialises in supporting neurodivergent learners. She meets Riley once a week to help him develop his cognitive skills.

Mr Lamont said: “There are some quite devastating statistics on how hard it is for neurodivergent people to get into work. My message to employers would be to focus on the positives. I think people are too quick to highlight potential problems that could arise. But there are a massive number of positives – both for workers and for businesses.”

Alongside his work at CX Services, Riley is studying a Scottish Vocational Qualification in digital print as part of his Modern Apprenticeship and this also involves completing specific tasks.

Riley recently submitted one of his first projects and received exceptional assessor feedback. Riley is from Langholm in Dumfries and Galloway but now lives in Dunoon with his family.

He added: “Thank you for the incredible opportunity and unwavering support. I truly appreciate being part of such a dedicated team. I am excited about continuing to develop my skills in digital printing and building my career.”

Reports suggest that more than 10 million people in the UK – about 15% of the population – are neurodivergent.

A Modern Apprenticeship is a paid employment opportunity that combines on-the-job training with the pursuit of an industry-recognised qualification. A Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) is a work-based qualification that provides the skills and knowledge needed to perform a specific job.