The impact of Team Domenica's programmes is best seen through the eyes of our candidates, their families and our employer partners…
From a quiet young man who found meeting new people challenging to a confident and valued member of a busy school kitchen, Teejay has come a long way.
Today, Teejay works as a Kitchen Assistant with Caterlink at Hove Primary School, where he has secured a permanent paid role and become a much-loved member of the team.
His journey with Team Domenica has taken him from classroom learning and work placements to a job he enjoys, growing independence and friendships with his colleagues.
I feel happy going to work. Working makes me feel independent. I really like working with my team. They are kind and helpful.
Teejay
Building skills and confidence
When Teejay joined Team Domenica, he was shy around people he didn’t know and sometimes found unfamiliar situations challenging.
Through classroom learning in functional and employment skills, alongside work placements at Scope, Café Rust and Brighton College, Teejay began developing the skills and confidence he needed for the workplace.
He then progressed to a Supported Internship with Caterlink, working in the kitchen at Hove Primary School. His placement was carefully planned to help him feel comfortable and supported as he settled into a new environment.
With encouragement from his Team Domenica Job Coach, Julie, and a warm welcome from his manager, Nick, and the kitchen team, Teejay quickly began to find his feet.
By his second week, he was smiling, asking questions and chatting with colleagues.
A willingness to learn
Teejay embraced his new responsibilities with enthusiasm and determination, working hard to learn the routines and skills needed in a busy school kitchen.
His Job Coach, Julie, watched his confidence grow as he became increasingly comfortable with his colleagues and responsibilities.
“He worked incredibly hard and soon got to grips with learning his role. After seven weeks, Teejay started to use the walkie talkies to respond to staff up in the school dining halls. This was a major milestone for Teejay and his confidence and love of the job continued to soar.
“Fast forward, to the end of his internship and Teejay is an integral member of the team, committed and hard working with a great sense of humour.”
For Teejay, using the walkie-talkies was much more than learning another workplace task. It was a sign of how far his confidence had grown and how comfortable he had become communicating with the wider team.
Singing, dancing and becoming part of the team
As Teejay settled into his role, his personality began to shine. Once quiet and reserved, he now travels to work on the bus with his colleagues and starts his day singing and dancing.
Nick, Chef Manager of the Hove Junior School kitchen run by Caterlink, has been delighted by Teejay’s progress.
“He’s always been extremely punctual; he has a vast skill set and asks questions if he needs help. The speed that he is learning is amazing – he became independent within a couple of weeks and has oodles of confidence.
“Put simply, Teejay is a perfect member of staff and we’re delighted he has joined the team permanently!”
Teejay’s hard work, positive attitude and growing independence made him a valued member of the kitchen team. At the end of his Supported Internship, he was offered a permanent paid position.
A job that brings joy and independence
For Teejay, having a job means more than earning a wage. It has given him a sense of purpose, greater independence and a team of colleagues he enjoys spending time with.
His mum has seen the difference it has made to his everyday life.
“Teejay wakes up every day with a smile and purpose. Earning his own money gives him a real sense of joy and pride.”
From learning new skills and overcoming his shyness to becoming a confident, valued member of the Caterlink team, Teejay has embraced every opportunity.
And perhaps the best measure of his success is that he now heads to work each day with a smile on his face, ready to get stuck in alongside his colleagues.
