Sarah’s Supported Internship
Sarah’s journey with Obson & Co. began with a placement as a Dining Host at Active Tameside Medlock, with duties including keeping the dining area clean, tidy and free of litter & used crockery.
"When I found out I got a paid job working at the café I was so happy!"
She quickly demonstrated that she was capable of doing more and moved to a more fast paced environment in the kitchen area, helping to manage the washing process.
At the end of January, Sarah was offered paid employment as a Catering Assistant.
When asked about her experience on the Supported Internship, Sarah said:
“The internship is really fantastic; the staff are friendly and helpful. When I first started my placement I felt very shy, now I am a lot more confident!”
Smiling, she continued:
“I love arriving early and saying hello to everyone I work with, in the mornings. I’ve learned a lot but my favourite is how to make proper hot chocolate using a coffee machine, which I love.”
Her colleagues at Obson & Co. have all noted how far Sarah has come since her first day working with them; they all remember how shy and withdrawn she was at the beginning, and how much her confidence has built up. Now Sarah is laughing, smiling and chats with all of her coworkers.
Shayne Gallagher, Operations Manager at Obson & Co. said:
“Sarah really has been a credit to Obson & Co. since that first day she came through the kitchen doors. Not only has she developed within her role, she’s become more and more confident each day she comes in, as well as having a smile on her face.
Sarah has excelled in her position; she’s made the workplace even more enjoyable.”
The difference the Supported Internship has made to Sarah’s life really becomes apparent when talking to her Mum:
“It’s been an amazing journey seeing Sarah growing in confidence. We never envisaged Sarah to be in the workplace, in paid work. We’re immensely proud of her.”
Sarah is planning to use the money earned from her paid role to buy herself some new clothes and to treat herself a little with some of the chocolates she loves so much!
We’d like to thank our partners, Tameside Council, Active Tameside and Obson & Co. for helping to make these Supported Internships a reality. Obson & Co. have been amazing to work with, and its wonderful to see that they’re so passionate about their employees.