Finding Her First Real Job, Step by Step

Finding her footing

Diagnosed early with autism, Jolin attended mainstream schools — Anderson Primary, Mayflower Secondary, ITE College Central. She coped with a challenging curriculum, learned to read social cues as a neurodivergent student, and relied on support: chauffeured transport for poor balance, months to map new surroundings, kind peers who helped her along.

Mainstream education sharpened academics, but vocational and independent-living skills lagged. "All my time was spent focusing on academic skills," reflects her mother, Ivy. After graduation, the transition to work proved especially hard.

Barriers to employment

Fast-paced office work — constant multitasking and split-second decisions — can quickly overwhelm Jolin. She tried a Bettr Barista internship, but heat sensitivity and low safety awareness limited her to scanning and data entry. A sheltered workshop at THK Eunos didn't clear probation. Job trials via ARC's E2C (sewing beads, scanning, warehouse work) also proved tough. "Without tailored support, young adults fall through the cracks," Ivy notes.

Kopi Teh Makan: a lifeline

Ivy heard about KTM through a parents' WhatsApp group. "When you're drowning, anything that looks like a lifeline, you go for it."

Even simple tasks needed breaking down — cutting a sachet, carrying a flask, pouring hot liquids. The uniform felt tight; verbal instructions sometimes needed writing down. Yet with patient coaching she surprised her mother: "For me, it's a miracle to see her tie her apron by herself."

Looking ahead

Jolin was accepted into a six-week Train-and-Place programme at the Singapore Institute of Hospitality. She continues building independence — a 3-day residential camp, fixed-route public transport, PayNow and ATM use, cooking at home — plus sailing, bowling, climbing and gym training.

"She may take a longer time, but we just continue to give her more exposure. Everything is possible — we just need to believe in her."