Remploy stepped in to help when disabled Birmingham university graduate David Lewis found landing a job harder than expected.

David graduated with a BA in Media and Communication from Birmingham City University but then spent around a year applying in vain for jobs.

The 24-year-old, who has rheumatoid arthritis, said: "I initially applied for two or three high profile jobs but they turned out to be unrealistic targets."

"I did voluntary work at Birmingham Arthritis Resource Centre but my work experience was limited."

"Although I felt capable of doing a lot of jobs I found proving that to employers difficult. Also, certain jobs were hard or even impossible to do without extra support."

David, from Acocks Green, then heard about Remploy at an open day at Birmingham City Council and went along to the Birmingham branch where he was given help in compiling a CV, preparing for interviews, hunting for jobs and completing application forms.

He also underwent a two-week vocational development programme designed to bolster his self-confidence and key skills.

Thanks to Remploy's help, David soon found work with Birmingham City Council as an administrator in customer relations dealing with complaints in social services.

David said: "The staff at Remploy catered for my needs, treated me as an individual, saw what I was capable of and provided me with appropriate support to suit my career goals and objectives."