MARK Twain once wrote that if you find a job you love then you will never work a day in your life.

This is certainly true for the dedicated people that make up the North East Autism Society (NEAS), who get to see the difference they make every day.

Now the ground-breaking charity is on the lookout for new teaching assistants, care support assistants, and domestic staff to join its growing network of North-East schools, including the newly-opened Mackenzie Thorpe Centre, in Teesside.

Two teaching assistants who recently joined the Society spoke of their pride in the work they do…

Adeline Reed joined NEAS as a domestic worker after leaving her native Namibia, but when the charity offered her the chance to pursue her dream, the mum-of-three jumped at the chance.

She said: “I always wanted to work in teaching, but English isn’t my first language and I think I assumed it wouldn’t be possible.

“But while I was still working as a domestic, I mentioned it to one of my colleagues, and when an opportunity came up, I undertook some of the Society’s in-house training.”

Recognising Adeline’s talent and passion for teaching, NEAS helped her to achieve two qualifications, and she was overjoyed to officially join the Society’s school in Newton Aycliffe as a learning support assistant.

“I say this to everyone, but really I see my job as planting a seed every day,” she said. “These children will grow into something incredible.

“I saw a colleague smiling with pride one day when she saw a young person she had taught years before. That’s what it’s about. I always go home feeling like I’ve done something worthwhile.”

Antony Kendrick fell in love with Sunderland when visiting for work and moved to the city to pursue a career in the care sector.

Inspired by his mum, a woman passionate about helping others, Antony Kendrick left his job working for an electrical company to support people recovering from operations and accidents.

Despite enjoying the work and the chance to help people, the long hours left Antony looking for other opportunities. Now he spends his days working with autistic children and young people as a NEAS teaching assistant.

The Northern Echo: Antony spoke of his pride in seeing his pupils achieve things they once thought impossibleAntony spoke of his pride in seeing his pupils achieve things they once thought impossible

He said: “I knew I needed a change and wanted to make the last few years of my working life count for something. It was time to do a job that really meant something; I saw the job at NEAS, applied and the rest is history.

“When a child goes on to accomplish something they never imagined possible it’s the best thing in the world. One thing I’ve learned is never to underestimate our children and young people.”

For a full list of current vacancies and to apply, visit https://www.networxrecruitment.com/v?id=NORTHEASTA&t=Vacancies