David's Success Story
David has a moderate learning disability and mild cerebral palsy, and was referred to North West Community Services (NWCS) Ltd for support in September 2009 through Social Services.
David found his own voluntary placement at Tesco’s Eurest Cafe back in 2007 as a Cafe Assistant because he likes Tesco as a company and feels very motivated and comfortable in the shop. Out of a list of nine companies that David decided he would like to work for, Tesco stayed top. David says that when he first started at Tesco he “felt like a lost child” and “needed to be needed.”
With the support of his Job Trainer/Coach, Sarah, and Tesco, David has progressed in his work and says: “I like working here and that is what keeps me going.”
A typical day in David’s life at Tesco Eurest Cafe involves cleaning the tables, stacking the trolley with dishes and seeing boxes are recycled, refilling the dairy deck, attending to customers, helping staff with duties, and complying with health and safety standards. Access Employment Coordinators have assessed any risks that may affect David in his workplace and have identified how to reduce these so that David can work in this environment where he is happy.
David’s Progress So Far:
· Training in independent travel to work at Tesco
· Using equipment, such as the sandwich bagging machine
· Learning new tasks
· Working additional days
· Paid work
The staff and customers look forward to David’s presence in Tesco’s Eurest Cafe and being part of the Tesco team gives meaning to his life. As David is making such a positive contribution to staff and customers, Tesco want to develop David’s skills to be able to offer him paid employment. Therefore, Sarah has helped David to achieve his goal: “...the pay I will get will help me develop my interests”, says David.
