Employable Me

52-year-old Andy was a successful businessman who lived life in the fast lane as a motorsport journalist, coach for moto Grand Prix and director of a million pound motorbike business. But six years ago, Andy suffered a stroke during a routine operation. Partially paralysed, aphasia makes his speech muddled and communication a struggle. Over the last five years, Andy has applied for over 3,000 jobs and has only ever received one interview. But with two teenage sons, and his wife taking on the responsibility as the main breadwinner, Andy is determined to prove he has still got what it takes to get back into the world of work and provide for his family. Officially diagnosed a year ago when he was just 21, Ryan's Tourette's became so bad he had to drop out of university. Having lost his job in retail after a severe tic attack at work, his Tourette's has escalated to such an extent that he now has one of the most extreme cases in the UK. Ryan lives with his supportive partner Charlie and a menagerie of turtles, reptiles and aquatic fish. His animals are the only things that help calm him down but with his physical Tourette's getting so bad that one attack left him with a broken arm, can he ever manage to work again? Both Andy and Ryan are helped along the way by occupational psychologist Nancy Doyle, who discovers Andy's untapped abilities, and shows Ryan how he can find the job of his dreams.

26-year-old Nicola was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of two. She has a first-class honours degree in multimedia journalism, but despite hundreds of applications she has never had a permanent job. After living independently at university, Nicola is now back at home with her mum, stepdad and sister. Although she relies on her walking frame and lives with frequent pain, she is willing to do whatever it takes to prove to employers she has got what it takes to be offered a full-time job. 29-year-old Marve has been visually impaired since birth. He was made redundant from his job as a support worker six years ago. Since then he has gradually lost the confidence and motivation to keep looking for work. Marve and his girlfriend Becky have recently found out that they are expecting their first child. This has given Marve a new incentive to find a job and the conviction to regain his independence and support his growing family. Psychologist Nancy Doyle invites Nicola and Marve to her unique training centre, where they learn how to access the hidden jobs market and recapture the confidence to seek and secure employment.

30-year-old Dubliner Kerie has been blind all her life. Two years ago, after struggling to find work in Ireland, she took the brave step of leaving her family home and moving to the UK on her own. After tirelessly searching for work, Kerie has been unemployed for the past year. If she doesn't find a job soon, she faces the very real possibility of having to return home. Former rugby player Daniel was just 22 years old when he became a double amputee after a life-changing accident. When he woke up from a coma in hospital, he found out that he had lost both his legs. In the five years since the accident, Daniel has sent out over 800 job applications, with little success. Will he be able to convince potential employers to see past his wheelchair? Psychologist Nancy Doyle helps Kerie discover her untapped abilities and gives Daniel the help and advice he needs to believe in himself and his talent.

Twenty-six year old Alan, pictured, has high functioning autism. Despite graduating from university two years ago with a psychology degree, he has struggled to find permanent work. Alan has a passion for politics, and is determined to use his skills to find work in data analysis. With social interaction being particularly challenging for Alan, will he be able to prove to potential employers he's able to overcome this obstacle to employment? Forty-six year old Erica has been unemployed for the past six years. For most of her life Erica's differences were misunderstood and her condition was undetected. She was finally diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome at the age of 32. Despite lacking confidence, Erica is determined to do everything she can to find employment so that she can give back to society, and finally become a tax payer.