For Harry Hogan, who has Down’s Syndrome, losing his job at a coffee chain along with many others, robbed him of his confidence and he thought he might never work again.

Harry, 28, from Barrhead, lost weight, became anxious and feared leaving the house, even to go out for walks. His lack of self-worth was made worse by watching his friends and siblings find new jobs and move on after the pandemic was over.

But now Harry’s story has taken a positive turn, as he recently secured a job at Rearo, a Glasgow-based manufacturer specialising in bathroom and kitchen surfaces, as part of its innovative inclusive apprenticeship programme.

Harry is now employed in the company’s Govan warehouse, where he has responsibilities for handling orders and quality control.

Rearo is pioneering a new apprenticeship scheme, aimed at offering employment opportunities for people from all backgrounds and with a range of abilities.

Having been welcomed as a valued member of staff by Graham Mercer, the company’s managing director, and the rest of the team, Harry says he has never been happier.

He said: “In the warehouse I have learned to deal with the customers and what they want. I learned how to check on the order forms and find the names of the panels.

“In the office, I have learned to put the labels on samples and also to read out the names of the labels and to say what colour it is.

“I enjoy doing both jobs equally – in the warehouse and the office. The rest of the team are great fun and we all get on really well. I enjoy the banter more than anything and I’m always winding people up.

“For me, it’s more than a job. It’s also about socialising, which I love, and it has given me back my self-confidence.”

Harry also works on a Friday morning in a Scott’s hardware store in Barrhead. His mum, Jacquie, said she is delighted that her son has found a place of work that he enjoys and where his input is valued so highly.

She said: “During the pandemic, Harry became very anxious and found it all very difficult to deal with. It took a lot of reassuring him and supporting him to get through it. The phone call from Graham was the absolutely most amazing thing to happen.”

Rearo manufactures high-pressure laminate wall panels, and commercial washrooms for a range of UK businesses, including fast food restaurants, supermarkets, and high street chains.

Graham said: “This initiative aims to bridge the gap for those who don’t neatly fit into existing frameworks. The company understands the need to accommodate the specific circumstances of individuals like Harry.”

He added: “Harry has adapted well, showcasing his capabilities beyond initial expectations. Working in various departments, from dealing with goods and transportation to interacting with customers, Harry has become an integral part of the business.”