Postman Ryan Hill has won two awards in Scotland’s first Local Employment Partnership (LEP) Awards.

Twenty-six-year-old Ryan, who is profoundly deaf, undertook a successful work trial with Royal Mail in Edinburgh last May. Having impressed with his commitment and enthusiasm, Ryan was then offered a part-time job as postman at the South West delivery office and he now covers his own walk in Greenbank.

Ryan, who is from Inverurie, Aberdeenshire won the Work Skills Award at the LEP awards. The judges said he had demonstrated an outstanding level of achievement in his personal and skills development to gain work. He was also named as the Outstanding LEP Achievement winner and will go on to represent Scotland at the national finals in London in June.

Ryan received his awards at a special ceremony in Edinburgh, where he was presented with his trophies by entrepreneur Michelle Mone, founder of lingerie company MJM International and Matthew Nicholas, Director JobCentre Plus. (see attached photo).

Ryan who had been unemployed for some time before joining Royal Mail, said: “One of the best things about my job is that I get to walk every day and that helps me keep fit for playing football and other sports I enjoy. The early mornings have been a big change for me, but I get to meet a lot of different and interesting people.”

Ryan receives support from his work place coach, Rab Higginson who is also a postman. Rab is learning sign language to help in his role. With help from Rab, Ryan has learned to prepare and sort mail and packages as well as cover his own delivery walk.

Caroll Cain, from Royal Mail, said: “The LEP awards show how employers such as Royal Mail go the extra mile to support people into work. Ryan is a worthy winner. He seized his opportunity to demonstrate his commitment and enthusiasm to his job and he has developed into a valuable member of the team at the South West delivery office.”