Why Wrap Around support matters
At Team Domenica, we are committed to making employment meaningful and sustainable. When a candidate graduates from our programmes, and moves into paid work, we offer flexible and tailored support to both the candidate and partnered employer.
Nationally, just 25% of people who complete a supported internship are still in employment after one year (FE Week, 2022). Many young people with learning disabilities and autism need continued support to navigate challenges, stay connected to their community, and maintain the jobs they’ve worked so hard to achieve.
Our Wrap Around Programme is here to ensure they are able to do exactly that…
Thanks to our ongoing support, 94% of candidates remain in employment for over a year, and two-thirds stay in work for over three years.
Jack's Story
With the help of our training programmes, Jack (pictured) secured a job at Brighton i360 in 2018. Over the years, the attraction has gone through several changes – including going into administration in 2024. During this uncertain time, our Wrap Around Programme supported Jack, and fellow candidate Katie, through the redundancy process and helped them reapply for their roles.
We’re proud to share that Jack was able to maintain his role at Brighton i360 and continues to thrive. He loves his job, values his team, and enjoys spending his earnings on days out with his boyfriend.
I’ve been working [at Brighton i360] for seven or eight years. That’s a long time I must admit! Team Domenica helped me get my job and I am very happy here. I feel confident. I like to meet customers and staff to be honest. I am proud!
Jack, employed at Brighton i360
What support do we offer?
Support for candidates
Our support is tailored to each individual, and can include:
- One-to-one mentoring (especially during the first year)
- Help with onboarding, workplace training and understanding contracts
- Advocacy in the workplace – including HR meetings and career progression conversations
- Help using work-related apps, booking holiday or managing pay
- Support with CVs, interviews, and career transitions
- Creating training aids and workplace resources
- Support with wellbeing, especially during times of change
An active social life is key to confidence, wellbeing and long-term success at work. We therefore organise termly social events to help candidates stay connected and maintain friendships. We also help candidates who are not yet in paid work to build experience through volunteering – building confidence, skills and social connections while they search for the right role.
I really appreciate having Wrap Around Support. It feels nice that Team Domenica doesn’t just let us go. I’m confident at work, but I feel more comfortable knowing there’s someone to help if I have a problem. It’s nice that everyone gets together too, even though everyone is busy at their jobs. But once we all get together it is like no-one left.Sam, Team Domenica candidate employed at Pizza Pilgrims
Support for Employers
Our team works closely with our partnered employer to ensure a candidate’s employment remains successful and sustainable for all. This includes:
- Regular check-ins with managers
- Advice and troubleshooting when challenges arise
- Support with onboarding and training
- Creating accessible resources and guidance
- Helping employers better understand individual candidate needs
With the help of Team Domenica’s Post-Internship Manager, we have been able to incorporate [our candidate] into the mainstream. We know we can approach her whenever we have any questions or hurdles. She makes the circle is complete; we all know where to go and feel supported.Prashant, Manager at Leonardo Hotels
Our Wrap Around Programme is entirely funded by our community. Your support can help our young people maintain the jobs they love.
