Preparation and presentation
Matthew joined Landmarks with the desire to secure paid work. He recognised though that in order to be employable he had to take more care of himself, his appearance and how he communicates in the workplace. He worked really hard to improve his professionalism and presentation. As a result, finding an employer to work with Matthew was easy.
Confidence and esteem
Matthew worked hard on improving his confidence. He built on the skills he had learnt around presentation and preparation for employment. By joining in with different practical activities and events, he was able to communicate confidently to different groups of people, ranging from his peers, commissioners, college managers and employers. Matthew started to attend different work placements in the hospitality and catering sector. He even jumped on a bus and worked some shifts at the college pub, The Archer. Here he was in a safe environment to develop his confidence and esteem. The placement led to him developing an interest in working in a pub environment.
Hard work pays off
Matthew spent the majority of his final year working at a city centre bar, where he undertook all the roles and duties expected of a bar associate. The Job Coach support he received during his placement reduced over time, to such a point where he was one of our first learners working independently and remotely with the college team. His confidence and esteem beaming for all to see. Matthew had grown from a shy young man, whose coping strategies made communication a little misplaced to a confident employee capable of working independently.
Paid Employment despite pandemic
Such was Matthews readiness for the world of work, that during a pandemic when pubs were closed, he secured paid employment at a local special school maintaining the hygiene regime – playing his part in keeping the school covid secure!
