TwentyFour Partner with Harrison College to Support Students

40% of Neurodivergent Young people (aged 18-25) believe that being neurodivergent is a barrier to them finding employment. Despite 77% of those wanting to work. This is why it is incredibly important that businesses throughout Doncaster and our wider community have the processes in place to not only employ but support young people with neurodivergent considerations to succeed.

The strength of this initiative was showcased on 3 February 2026, when business leaders, educators, and students gathered at Hex Connect at Yorkshire Wildlife Park for the Harrison College Conference. The event brought together businesses from across the region to explore how employers can support children with neurodivergent considerations to succeed and thrive in the workplace, while also sharing practical examples of how businesses are supporting Harrison College’s mission.

Attendees heard from a range of respected voices including Dr Carly Jones MBE, Mark Taylor, Hannah Larsen, Dan Fell MBE, Laura Guymer, David Morgan, and Dr Michael Englard. Panel discussions covered themes such as changing labels, breaking stereotypes, and creating positive change for young people across the region. Speakers shared real strategies businesses can implement to create inclusive environments where neurodivergent individuals can flourish professionally.

For many in the room, the most powerful moments came from the students themselves. Young people supported by Harrison College spoke about their journeys, their challenges, and their successes since leaving education. Among them was Jack Severn, who took to the stage as a Student Host Speaker, confidently guiding discussions and asking questions throughout the day. His involvement throughout the day symbolised exactly what the conference set out to highlight, the impact that belief, support, and opportunity can have on a young person’s future.

Jack’s story is closely tied to the partnership between Harrison College and local Managed IT, Cyber Security & AI and Automation Business TwentyFour IT Services (Headline Sponsor of the 2025, 2026 & 2027 Doncaster Business Awards). After completing a successful internship with the company, Jack has recently accepted a full-time position as a First Line Support Apprentice, highlighted as part of National Apprenticeship Week (9th-15th February). During his placement, TwentyFour supported Jack to progress to independently managing support tickets, answering client calls, and completing issues from ticket triage through to resolution with minimal guidance. Receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback from his fellow team members and clients of TwentyFour, which have been highlighted across their social media channels. His achievements demonstrated both technical capability and personal growth, making his transition into employment a well-deserved milestone.

Jack’s Mum Kelly said; “Unbeknown to Jack, he has always been in search of himself, to find a place he truly felt he fit. Jack wasn’t the most enthusiastic about going to a different provision to his peers for his post 16 education, but I know he would today say it was the best decision made. Harrison College welcomed Jack, the whole Jack, he felt valued, seen, heard and a part of something. He once told me they were ‘his people!’….”

“Harrison College helped Jack identify areas of interest and technology was the way forward. I was anxious because he had just begun his journey of his sense of self and this new environment would likely mean he would need his mask to ‘perform’ each day; I couldn’t have been more wrong! Yes, the mask is still present, but he has only been there 3 months but, WOW.”

“Jack feels incredibly comfortable with the TwentyFour team and is extremely proud of the progress he has made this far! They demonstrate a working environment which is both professional yet relaxed. Jack knows the expectation without living in fear of making a mistake, meaning should those mistakes happen, he feels less stressed about discussing them and developing from them. I can see Jack is in a new space of developing his sense of identity as an adult, all because TwentyFour see Jack for his abilities and work with him in a way he needs. I am excited to see Jack continue to build who he is in an environment he can thrive in and essentially fit for all!”

This placement is just a part of a wider programme between Harrison College and TwentyFour IT Services. In 2025, students attended an immersive experience day hosted by TwentyFour IT Services, where they explored real world careers in IT and Cyber Security, spoke with existing apprentices and long-time employees, and gained first hand insight into workplace environments. TwentyFour have also held a range of talks for the students at the college on a range of subjects, including ways in which the students can stay safe and secure online. These initiatives have helped students connect their skills and interests to real career pathways, while also allowing the TwentyFour to meet many of the students who have a real interest in the industry and drive to succeed

For TwentyFour, this partnership extends beyond placements and events. The business has embedded inclusive values into its wider culture, actively supporting neurodivergent employees within its workforce and recognising the benefits of diverse thinking in problem solving, innovation, and client service. TwentyFour also works alongside other local partners for placements and providing support from day one in their business to help them to succeed. They believe that all employees should have the best support possible, regardless of if they have diagnosed neurodivergent considerations, or are adults with undiagnosed considerations, every employee is provided mental health support from day one, ensuring wellbeing is prioritised alongside professional development.

Representatives from both organisations emphasise that collaboration between education providers and businesses is essential to building inclusive communities and strong local talent pipelines.

Gemma Peebles, Harrison College Principal and CEO, said; “When 40% of neurodivergent young people believe their diagnosis is a barrier to employment, we cannot afford to stand still. Our work with businesses like TwentyFour IT Services proves that with the right processes and inclusive cultures in place, young people can excel."

"Jack’s success is a reminder of what can happen when employers choose to understand, adapt, and invest in neurodivergent talent. We are incredibly proud of him, and of the team at TwentyFour IT who stand alongside us to create pathways where young people can belong and succeed."

Tony Houlihan, TwentyFour IT Services CTO, said; “Jack exemplifies why it is so important that businesses have the support systems in place for those with neurodivergent considerations. Every day he comes into the office eager to learn, eager to better himself, and always has a friendly smile on his face when speaking with our clients. It has been a pleasure to see Jack grow with the business as an intern and it was only natural that we wanted to extend a full time position to him and support him in his career.”

As partnerships like this continue to grow throughout the region, they offer a powerful example of how local businesses can come together to create real opportunities. Jack’s journey from student to speaker, and from intern to apprentice with TwentyFour IT Services stands as proof that when businesses invest in people and potential, the results can be life changing, not only for individuals but for the wider community as well.

If your business is seeking to support young people throughout our local region with neurodivergent considerations to succeed, reach out to the team at Harrison College to find out how your can become a positive part of this change.