The impact of Team Domenica's programmes is best seen through the eyes of our candidates, their families and our employer partners…
After two years, lots of hard work and tons of enthusiasm, Team Domenica candidate June has achieved her dream – a paid job.
June now works as a Kitchen Porter at DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole, after successfully completing a Supported Internship at the hotel.
For June, getting a job means much more than earning money. It means greater independence, more freedom and taking another step towards her next big ambition – living with friends in a shared house.
It means freedom. Team Domenica take your thoughts into their thoughts and help you reach your dreams.
June
Freedom, friends and independence
June loves being busy and spending time with the friends she has made through Team Domenica. Whether it’s going to the pub, heading to a festival or making plans to go somewhere together, having her own social life is an important part of her independence.
“I like going places with my mates – like if someone says ‘do you wanna go somewhere’ I say ‘yes’ – but it has to be planned properly, because of my brain. I like seeing my Team Domenica friends. We go to the pub or a festival. I love being out, yeah I like keeping busy!”
June
Having a paid job gives June more freedom to enjoy the things that matter to her, while helping her work towards an even bigger goal: one day living with friends in a shared house.
Finding her place in the workplace
When June joined Team Domenica, paid employment was always an important goal.
During her first year, she completed work placements at Pelican Parcels and Cafe Rust, giving her the opportunity to experience different workplaces, develop new skills and build her confidence.
With each placement, June learned more about what she enjoyed and what she could bring to a workplace. Ready for her next challenge, she progressed onto a Supported Internship at DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole.
It was there that June really began to thrive.
Building confidence at DoubleTree by Hilton
June joined the busy hotel kitchen as a Kitchen Porter and quickly threw herself into the role.
From the beginning, she showed a strong work ethic and plenty of enthusiasm. Just six weeks into her internship, June was already asking to expand her skills and take on more advanced Kitchen Porter duties.
Supported by her Team Domenica Job Coach, Alison, and the team at the hotel, June continued to develop her confidence and capability. Her workplace mentor, Polly, was also a Team Domenica graduate – someone who understood the journey June was making and could support her as she became part of the team.
Before long, June was helping the kitchen deliver breakfast service for hundreds of guests, attending team briefings and becoming an increasingly confident and proactive member of the team.
And she loved getting the job done.
My internship at Hilton made me feel happy. My favourite part is how quick I can do things. That feeling when there’s loads of messy plates and then you whizz it and it’s clean! So speedy!
June
Becoming a valued member of the team
June’s positivity, commitment and enthusiasm made an impression on the people working alongside her.
“I was initially a little apprehensive but Team Domenica made the whole experience not only possible, but enjoyable. Our candidates have truly broadened and enriched our kitchen.”
Darren, Executive Head Chef, DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole
As her internship progressed, June needed less support and took on greater responsibility. She showed initiative, developed her workplace skills and became a valued member of the kitchen team.
Then came the moment she had been working towards: June was offered a paid role at the hotel.
The next step towards independence
June is now a paid employee at DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole, doing a job she enjoys with a team she already knows well.
It is a brilliant achievement in its own right, but for June it also opens the door to something bigger.
Having a paid job gives her greater independence and freedom – and brings her closer to her next ambition of living with friends in a shared house.
After two years of learning, placements, new experiences and plenty of hard work, June also has some advice for other young people starting their own journey towards employment:
I would say to anyone don’t be afraid to make mistakes, it will happen and it’s okay. If anything goes wrong, don’t be afraid of telling a mentor. They are great and they will help you. If you’re having a bad day, they will listen. They will help you get better at skills.
June
June came to Team Domenica with a goal of finding paid work. Now she has a job she enjoys, growing independence and another goal firmly in her sights.
We can’t wait to see where she goes next.
