1. An 8 Week Work Experience at No Limits Cafe
Sam started his employability journey with us back in July 2021 when he completed an 8 week Work Experience placement with us which focused on catering and kitchen skills. He was supported by a No Limits 1-1 Job Coach.
We didn’t see Sam for a while after as he then went off to College to finish his exams. However, we kept Sam in our thoughts as he showed so much promise in the kitchen!
2. Supported Apprenticeship
Rolling around to September 2022 and Sam has concluded his time at 6th Form and was ready to enter the world of work. In conjunction with South Devon College, Sam enrolled on to a Level 2 Supported Apprenticeship with us as a Production Chef.
He showed real dedication, and managed the adjustment of working 4 full days a week, plus a day learning at College really well. Supported by our Chef Job Coach, Sam learnt kitchen safety, knife skills, production skills, food preparation and following instructions in a busy setting.
With a passion for baking, Sam handled all aspects of being a production chef, even the parts he perhaps didn’t enjoy so much; realising this was the nature of work and employment and that roles can cover a wide range of tasks!
Sam’s confidence and abilities grew, his personality shined through and his good humour, smile and adaptability skills made him an essential part of the No Limits team!
Sam was supported by us throughout his apprenticeship and given guidance towards his College assessments, as well as supervision. We were sorry to see him go when he finished his apprenticeship, but knew he was moving onwards to exciting new things.
3. No Limits Supported Employment Outreach
Sam began to work with Sarah, who is our No Limits Supported Employment Lead- to seek suitable and relevant employment where he could let his skills shine!
With our support, Sam applied for a position at Stover School as a Catering Assistant. Supported with his C.V, application and with a pre-emptive reference, Sam secured an interview!
Sarah went with Sam to visit the setting prior to his interview, in order to alleviate any anxiety and to be familiar with the surroundings. Supported Employment Outreach were also able to obtain a little guidance within the area of interview questions so Sam could have some preparation beforehand.
These are all extra accommodations and support that Sam was entitled to, and that with training and disability awareness- all employers should be making!
Although Sam didn’t quite have the experience required for that particular role, it still lead employment for him! Stover School ‘job carved’ a specific role as they could see Sam’s ability and how he could develop his skills further. He is now a Kitchen Assistant at the School, supported by an ‘Access to Work’ funded job aide.
What a journey Sam, we are all extremely proud of all that you have achieved.
Supported Employment Outreach has been giving advice to the employer in how processes work, and how to become a Disability Confident Employer.
When I was getting ready for my interview Sarah and I visited Stover to have a brief tour of the school and meet people I would meet for the interview so I would be less nervous.
We also practiced me answering questions to get a feel of how it would feel to be interviewed and talked about what hobbies and interests I had, I had notes with me to help that that we’d written as well .
Sarah took me to the interview and sat with me during the interview this gave me confidence to have her there”
Although Sam didn’t quite have the experience required for that particular role, it still lead employment for him! Stover School ‘job carved’ a specific role as they could see Sam’s ability and how he could develop his skills further. He is now a Kitchen Assistant at the School, supported by an ‘Access to Work’ funded job aide.
What a journey Sam, we are all extremely proud of all that you have achieved.
Supported Employment Outreach has been giving advice to the employer in how processes work, and how to become a Disability Confident Employer.