World of Work Case Study – Maddie’s Route to Working at Compass
My name is Maddie and I am 20… 21 this year! I have Down Syndrome. I was born with it. I started at Ecclesbourne School and then went to Horizons (Sixth Form).
Starting at Transition2 & Early Challenges
I was at Transition2 for two years. I came to college for freedom! I wanted to be independent.
I used to get upset a lot and lie on the floor when I first came. I don’t do that anymore! I’m more open now. I got a lot more confident. I learned how to travel to college, there and back, every day.
Changing Interests & Building Skills
From day one, I was interested in Hair & Beauty but that’s changed. I found something else I liked to do that was different.
At first, I did Meal Prep so I could cook at home. I still make the pasta bake at home that I used to do! Then I worked in the café.
Volunteering at Compass
I then started my job (with Compass) at Rolls-Royce. I work in the canteen. I do stock-taking, stacking the drinks, I clean the tables (even though it hurts my back!), I serve food to the customers and work on the till.
When I started, I found it tricky because I was shy and found the counting hard – I’m no good at Maths. Mel and Amie (Job Coaches) were there a lot to make sure I was ok. My Line Managers (Sue and Denise) would show me how to do the different jobs. I like their personalities, they are generous and helped me.
I did my online training at college that I need to do for my job. Working there makes me happy because everyone is friendly – I even got a tip the other day!
I love my job and hope I will be get paid for it soon!
Support System & Reviews
Mel still comes to visit sometimes to see how I’m doing but if there’s a problem I can talk to my managers. They will sometimes talk all about how I am doing in Reviews. We talk about my future, if I need to do any course, if anything is different.
Reflection & Growth
I am different now. I am a mature, grown-up adult. I am proud of myself.
