A young man is set to become the first person with Down’s Syndrome to be a fully qualified scaffolder – just two years after being crowned Britain’s top apprentice.
Todd Scanlon, 32, was given a scaffolding apprenticeship by Martyn Coles at his company Coles Scaffolding three years ago.
Since then he has impressed both his colleagues and customers with his ”enthusiasm, politeness and professional attitude”.
He later won public vote to be named the UK’s top apprentice thanks to his “boundless energy” and commitment.
Todd, of Swindon, Wilts., has recently been accepted onto a course to become a fully qualified scaffolder – a UK first for someone with Down’s Syndrome.
Todd’s mother Vicky Scanlon has praised Martyn for giving Todd a chance where others wouldn’t.
She said: “You’ve helped Todd achieve so much, physically, mentally, passing courses and getting awards and that’s all down to you.
“Unless you’ve been in a situation like mine, I can’t explain how much this means to me.
”I’m very proud of Todd, as you know, but I’m also very proud of you too.
“I think Swindon should be proud of you for highlighting the issues that people with mental health and disabilities have with employment.”
She added: “When Todd was growing up you get used to the idea he won’t have the same life everybody else, but with Martyn doing this for him he’s getting there.
“He’s gone beyond what ever I expected, he does go out of his way, I don’t know where he finds the time.”
Martyn said: “He has great determination. He comes in every day and proves people wrong.
“Having him on the site is great, he’s a good presence, all of the customers like him and he’s very polite.
“When we took him on we didn’t have any worries.
”I know his capability, but he is still proving to be better than whatever expectations we have.
”Everything you put in front of him he just does.
“He’s just shown that you can do it with the right guidance. He’s just a likeable guy.”
Speaking in 2019, Todd, said: “At the company I mainly do a lot of fittings and carrying.
”I wanted to go in to scaffolding because it’s my favourite thing to do.”
