An inspirational man from North Yorkshire has turned his challenges into a triumph by fulfilling his dream career in education.
Ben McAuley has specialist needs due to his autism and faced multiple challenges in reading, writing and maths during his school years.
Yet through determination and resilience, the 21-year-old, who lives in Thirsk, has turned his adversity into strength achieving qualifications with our adult learning service and landing what he first thought was impossible - a dream job as a teaching assistant.
With the guidance and encouragement from our learner engagement officers, Ben first concentrated on gaining his maths qualifications and completing an introductory course in working with children.
Alongside this, he volunteered at two primary schools in the county, which eventually opened the door to a volunteering role at South Kilvington Church of England Academy in Thirsk.
He progressed to the Level 2 supporting teaching and learning course. In April, Ben was appointed as a lunchtime supervisor at the school before taking on a part‑time teaching assistant’s role.
Executive member for education, learning and skills, Cllr Annabel Wilkinson, said: “Ben’s journey is a powerful reminder how exploring new courses and learning opportunities, alongside the right support, can open doors to fresh starts and brighter futures, showcasing the transformative power of adult education.
“It is also important to recognise the opportunities and support provided to him by his colleagues at South Kilvington Church of England Academy where he is now thriving.”
To incorporate his love of sport, Ben runs both lunchtime and after school activity clubs and acknowledges that every day is “engaging and eventful”.
He said: “There has never been a boring day working in a school. I’m always busy and always on my feet which suits me. I really enjoy supporting the children – it’s joyful to work in a school.
“It was my dream to have a career in teaching, but I didn’t think this was ever possible due to my autism. I always struggled at school but gaining the qualifications I recently have just shows that with the right support and guidance, having specialist needs are no obstacle to achieving your dreams.”
Looking to the future, Ben aspires to become a higher-level teaching assistant, integrating sport into his role to continue combining his passion for education and athletics.
Headteacher, Stephen Butterworth, said: “Teaching is one of the most rewarding careers, and Ben’s journey so far has been nothing short of exceptional. Watching his growth and determination has been a privilege for all of us.
"We are excited to continue supporting Ben as he reaches new heights and inspires others along the way."
Find out all the information or browse the courses on offer by our adult learning service.
Adult Learning North Yorkshire has been commissioned to deliver courses in 2025-26 by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority's Adult Skills Fund. The Fund helps adult learners gain skills which will lead them to meaningful, sustained, and relevant employment, or enable them to progress to further learning.