Wearing the Uniform with Pride: Callum’s Story

Look at the positives – what a person can do rather than what they can’t. Where they can get to, rather than where they have been. These are the unique and inspiring characteristics of Hotel Brooklyn and Paul Bayliss, General Manager at the popular Manchester City Centre stay.

For over a decade, Pure innovations has worked in partnership with Paul to provide opportunities for young people with learning disabilities and additional support needs. This is Callum’s story, a shining example of what can be achieved when an employer adopts a diverse and inclusive workforce that enables talent to emerge and reach their full potential

When Callum was first introduced to Pure he did not travel independently and lacked work experience without support. Pure’s STEP programme, a two-year qualificative course that combines work experience with classroom teaching, helped Callum build the confidence needed to travel safely within his community and complete work experience independently.

With his newfound ambition and array of skills, Callum transitioned onto a Supported Internship – the next step towards securing paid work and fulfilling his ultimate goal of contributing towards his love for family holidays. Though just as the wheels were in motion, the global pandemic hit and for Callum this meant he was unable to complete the course. Despite the setback, with Pure onside he was soon back on his feet through their Employment team, who guided him through a hospitality placement which he thoroughly enjoyed.

His ability to connect with customers and colleagues, combined with his positive can-do attitude was a recipe for success and Callum was now motivated to seek a career in hospitality. An opportunity was quickly identified at the stunning Hotel Brooklyn, who were a natural choice to approach due to the strong existing relationship and the Hotel’s excellent reputation for being accessible and inclusive.

Paul Bayliss, General Manager at Hotel Brooklyn said:

“I knew Callum was always going to be a success in the hospitality industry because he was hungry to develop and succeed; and he has a really sunny personality! All’s we did was give him an opportunity and allowed his sense of purpose and focus to take over. He’s a professional in one of the biggest and high-profile luxury hotels in the city and very much an integral member of our team respected for his efforts and part of a fantastic team. He gets into work on time on his own; tries to remain smart in appearance always and has a fantastic, can-do attitude; so much we have to tell him to stop. That’s the basis of all employment and I defy anyone to be more committed.” 

Leah Coyle, Strategic Growth Manager at Pure Innovations:

“Paul and Hotel Brooklyn’s dedication to Supported Employment is a fantastic example to other employers of what can be achieved with a positive approach, access to natural in-work support and a flexible approach. We are proud to work in partnership with Paul for the last decade and hopefully many years to come”