The impact of Team Domenica's programmes is best seen through the eyes of our candidates, their families and our employer partners…
There has been plenty to celebrate during Max’s journey with Team Domenica.
Today, Max is a paid member of the team at Nando’s Brighton London Road. He has twice been named Nandoca of the Month and has made such a positive impact that he has helped reduce missing and incorrect delivery orders, saving the restaurant both time and money.
His journey is a brilliant example of what can happen when young people are given the opportunity to build their confidence, develop workplace skills, and thrive in a supportive environment.
I feel like I’m part of the team, and I like having a job because it earns good money
Max
Building confidence and workplace skills
When Max joined Team Domenica, he began by studying functional skills and employability, while gaining valuable workplace experience in Team Domenica’s cafés.
Working in our cafés and at The Grand Hotel, Brighton, gave Max the opportunity to develop his communication skills, build confidence, and experience the expectations of a busy workplace.
“I think it’s difficult for people with learning disabilities to get work. I had support from staff at Team Domenica who helped me be more confident around people in the work placements. In my first year, I did classroom learning employability skills which helped later on in my supported internship.”
Max
A valued member of the team
Max impressed his colleagues from the very beginning.
Simon Lucas, General Manager at Nando’s Brighton London Road, saw Max’s confidence grow as he became more comfortable in the role.
Once we started working with Max, the whole process was smooth. We found it enjoyable on our side and Max came out of his shell extremely quickly. It became less of us having to show him things, and more about Max asking, “I would like to do this and like to learn that”.
Since Max has started packing deliveries, he’s made an impact reducing the missing or incorrect orders.
Simon
Opening the door to paid employment
Today, Max is a valued, paid employee at Nando’s.
From developing his confidence in Team Domenica’s cafés and classrooms to becoming an award-winning member of the Nando’s team, Max’s journey shows the difference that the right support, meaningful opportunities and an inclusive employer can make.
His story is proof that when employers invest in potential, everyone benefits.
“As a person, Max is bright, he’s friendly, he wants to do a good job. There is a drive that he brings to the job and for himself. He’s a fantastic employee.”
Simon Lucas, General Manager at Nando's Brighton London Road
