An autistic student with a passion for engineering was only four days into his work experience when the company offered him a job.
Ethan Morphew, 20, a student with Futures in Christchurch, attended RHH Franks in New Milton for a week’s work placement.
But the aerospace components company was so impressed with his skills they offered him a job by the Thursday.
Ethan said: “My supervisor Colin told me that most people who go in for work experience make a metal money box or something like that. I made a water separation system for a fighter jet.”
Ethan developed a passion for all things metal from his steam engine-mad maternal grandfather.
He said: “I completed a first year at Kingston Maurward College in blacksmithing, fabricating and welding, but Covid interrupted my second year. So, I was glad when my coaches arranged work experience at RHH Franks.
“I felt quite comfortable as soon as I got to the sheet metal department and just basically started working.
“I could tell Colin was impressed with me. He said he was sure they wouldn’t want to see me go anywhere else and then they called my Futures coach, Tom.
Tom Errington, Ethan’s Futures Coach said: “I received an email asking me to go in and found myself in the board room with the operations manager, production supervisor and HR manager.
“They told me that Ethan was very talented and they wanted to find a way they could offer him a job that wouldn’t interfere with his studies.
“I always knew Ethan would thrive when given the opportunity and this was a very proud moment.”
“RHH Franks says Ethan has a great future in engineering ahead of him and we are not surprised.
“Ethan experiences some challenges in the social side of life and can become anxious in demanding situations. He’s also incredibly bright, creative and hard-working and excels when his needs are recognised. It’s great that this company has recognised that and will be helping to develop his talent.”