Dean Richardson was referred to CTS by his Jobcentre plus advisor in October 2007. Dean suffers with an autistic spectrum disorder. Dean was immensely sceptical about moving back into employment due to his insecurities centred around his learning difficulties. Dean believed that he would find it difficult to find an employer willing to take him because of his learning difficulties.
During his time with us at CTs Dean’s confidence increased dramatically after working hard on his literacy skills up to level 1 (GCSE equivalent) and Dean also undertook a retail work placement to give him up to date experience.
Because of his new found confidence Dean agreed to start looking for work in retail and in hospitality. Dean had trained to be a silver service waiter at college and decided that he would like to pursue a career in that area.
In January this year, we found Dean a vacancy at St Paul’s Hotel in Sheffield city centre. St Paul’s is a 4 star hotel and is one of the most prestigious hotels in Sheffield. St Paul’s were looking for someone to run the hotel’s room service provision and we persuaded Dean to apply for the position.
Dean was invited for an interview and impressed the front of house manager, with his communication skills and his attitude towards work.
Dean was asked back for a second interview to meet the general manager of the hotel. By the end of January, Dean had been offered a full time position.
