Samuel took part in an extended Work Experience programme here at No Limits for the last two years and in that time gained valuable transferrable employability skills including barista training and customer service. Developing in confidence and self -esteem Samuel was also given additional roles and responsibilities including being an informal designated ‘Health and Safety Monitor’ making sure our first aid kit is fully stocked and that signage for important things such as our fire doors and cleaning products etc. are up-to-date.
It was evident that Samuel was ready to pursue further work experience opportunities and was very keen to gain employment. Sarah, our Supported Employment Lead here at No Limits, liaised with Dainton Park Golf Club in Ipplepen close to Newton Abbot and, through employer engagement, was able to secure an 8-week supported employment outreach placement for Samuel
Samuel was supported by a No Limits 1-2-1 job coach who was on hand to support Samuel through his training at Dainton The familiarity of a No Limits Job Coach in this new setting was successful as it meant Samuel was more at ease, more confident in his new surrounding and at communicating with new colleagues – all big steps.
In his time there he learnt an array of skills and he really showed himself to be open to new challenges and adaptable to changing work environments, whether it be outside doing gardening etc. or inside within the hospitality department serving customers and preparing food and drinks.
After the 8 weeks placement, Samuel was offered paid employment for 2 days a week where he has a certain level of support provided but now in house through Dainton Golf Club itself.
Alongside this, No Limits continues to provide business to business support in all disability confidence matters.
Samuel is also now employed by us at No Limits Café one afternoon a week as a Café Team Mentor where he is a role model for other individuals on the Work Experience programme that he was once on himself!
Samuel started his Work Experience at No Limits as a young person who lacked self-confidence and was uncomfortable meeting and communicating with unknown people to now being employed in two different roles, interacting confidently with a variety of colleagues and customers and being responsible for certain aspects of his job roles such as health & safety and cleaning.
This confidence has expanded into life outside of work , helping him progress on his own personal journey to independence.
No Limits supported me to get the role at Dainton and it helped me to feel confident about the things I’m good at. She was able to work with the employer to help me identify the areas I was good at and also the ones I needed a bit more support with.
I feel moving into my role at Dainton was made easier as the team allowed me to settle in to my different roles. They were understanding and together we were able to work around what I felt was comfortable for me.