4 1 2016 A Great Experience For Meggiecopy2

A great experience for Meggie

Meggie Davidson has been sharpening her catering skills in the Oatley House kitchen as part of her supported Into Catering internship.

Meggie (26) has Cerebral Palsy and her supported internship is an employer-based study programme designed to help young people with special educational needs and disabilities learn the skills they need for the workplace.

Under the expert tutelage of Head Chef, Gareth Cartledge, Meggie has been preparing vegetables, serving food and washing up. “I really enjoy it here and I don’t want my work experience to end,” said Meggie.

I have learnt not to rush at the tasks and have also enjoyed working with the catering team and meeting the residents. The staff are really good and helpful and I have grown in confidence.

Returning the favour

Gareth Cartledge also started his career at the Trust on work experience and he appreciates the importance of the programme. “Completing my work experience with the Trust gave me a real head start in my catering career,” said Gareth.

Someone was kind enough to put the time and effort into developing my catering skills, so it’s a real pleasure to return the favour and help others, like Meggie to develop theirs.

Having completed her placement, Gareth is delighted that Meggie will continue to work once a week in the Cote Lane kitchens on a voluntary basis.

“We have really enjoyed having Meggie here and we’ve both learnt a lot in the process. She is a pleasure to work with and it’s good to see Meggie’s transformation in terms of her confidence and skills,” he said.

An amazing experience

Sheren Wyatt is Meggie’s tutor at the City of Bristol College and she’s seen a real change in Meggie during her time with the Trust: “The work placement at the Trust has been an amazing experience for Meggie.

“Since working with her on the Into Catering internship, I have seen Meggie’s confidence grow, but it has really been at St Monica's that she has found her wings and has been encouraged to fly.

“The help and support she has received from the Trust’s Head chefs and catering staff has been first class. The experience has changed Meggie's life for the best and I now see a better future for Meggie in catering.”

Want to know more?

Meggie’s internship was organised by Training and Development Partner, Becky Griffin. Becky is responsible for the Trust’s own work experience programme which has seen 36 people benefit from working alongside members of the Trust’s staff since its launch in April 2016.

If you know anyone who would be interested in a work experience placement, you can email workexperience@stmonicatrust.org.uk or speak to a member of the training and development team on 0117 949 4324.

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