Paul finds a career in catering

Paul has attended a training co-operative for the past few years where he has learnt skills in a catering and hospitality environment.

When Linked Employment started to work with Paul to help him find paid employment it was easy to see that catering was where his strengths lay. When Paul was asked what sort of place he would like to work, McDonalds was at the top of his list.

Paul’s Employment Advisor, Natalie Driscoll, contacted the McDonalds Restaurant on the Tollgate Retail Park to find out if there were any work experience opportunities. They said yes, and after a brief interview Paul started to work two lunchtime shifts a week.

From day one Paul was made to feel very welcome by all the managers and staff and it was clear that Paul had found the job for him.

Paul has an infectious personality and both his colleagues and the customers can’t help but enjoy his presence. His work ethic is second to none - as soon as there is a tray or a table to be cleaned Paul is straight on it.

He is attentive to all the customers and comfortable interacting with the children distributing balloons, whilst always on hand to help out his fellow team members.

As Paul was doing so well in his work experience, Natalie decided to write a letter to the franchisee of the Tollgate McDonalds Restaurant, Cas Morehen, to ask if he would consider offering Paul a paid position. Cas was really positive and after discussing it with the managers at the Tollgate branch, Paul was offered a contract of 13 hours a week.

When asked about his job Paul beams with pride. He really enjoys working as part of a team and his favourite part of the job is giving out the balloons and making sure the restaurant is clean and tidy.

Catching up with Cas a few weeks on, he highlights the fact that McDonalds has always been an equal opportunities employer. He says: “I always look to support people to help gain experience in the world of work.

"In Colchester I employ four staff with learning difficulties and two of those have worked for me for over 10 years. They are all incredibly loyal and they integrate well into the McDonalds culture.

"I would recommend to other employers out there to consider employing people with learning difficulties. If I’m having a bad day I only need to spend five minutes with Paul and my problems get put into perspective.”