Making a cuppa kickstarts Oxfordshire student’s career in hospitality industry
Latte, americano, mocha, cappuccino, espresso - the seemingly endless list of coffees goes on and on.
They trip instinctively off 20 year old Sorcha Calvert’s tongue – a resident of Bampton, near Witney – as she serves guests in the café at the Leonardo Royal Hotel in Oxford.
The confidence of this Abingdon and Witney College student is unrecognisable from a year ago, when the then self-doubting teenager was grappling with dyslexia and dyspraxia.
Oxfordshire County Council provided a tailored educational, health and care plan (EHCP), alongside a supported internship – through its employment team – to pave the way for her valuable work experience.
Sorcha said: “I’d always wanted to work in the hotel industry. I love meeting people, so hospitality felt perfect with ever changing guests who nearly always want a coffee, snack or to dine in the restaurant.
“But where do you start? Finding a job is daunting for anyone, even more so when you’ve got additional needs and dyslexia like me. But I was determined and made my approach to the Leonardo Royal Hotel in Oxford at a job fair. Then the council’s brilliant internship team helped push me through the door; they had a contact who worked there.
“They explained to the manager how well I was progressing at college, emphasising my willingness to learn and that I’m a natural people person.
“Here I am, three months later, the internship has been such a success that I’ve been taken on permanently, initially in the café – thanks to my mastery of the many types of coffee – and with opportunities to progress to eventually work in the restaurant.”
The council’s supported internship team continue to provide ongoing assistance, such as help completing forms and paperwork required by Sorcha’s hotel employer. And in accessing training and development opportunities offered by the Leonardo Royal group.
Madalina Duminica, Food and Beverage Director for the Leonardo Royal Hotel Oxford, said: “Sorcha joined us just over six weeks ago, initially shy and unsure, but with support and guidance, she quickly grew in confidence and ability. She has blossomed into an exceptional team member, friendly, approachable, and always willing to go the extra mile for both guests and colleagues.
“Her positive attitude, professionalism and dedication make her a true asset, and I’m excited to see her continue to grow and thrive in her hospitality career.
“Leonardo Hotels are delighted to participate in numerous employment programmes throughout the UK and Sorcha is one of many team members who have begun their employment journey in this way.
“We are proud of our dedicated teams and we wish Sorcha all the best in her new role.”
Sorcha’s commitment to the role is apparent from the lengths she takes to get there, a bus commute of over 90 minutes each way from her home in Bampton, near Witney.
Oxfordshire County Council is aiming to make a difference to reduce this time consuming and often inconvenient journey by negotiating funding for taxi fares through central government’s Access to Work scheme.
Once this is in place Sorcha’s shifts will no longer be restricted to daytime bus timetable hours. She’ll be able to do evening work in the restaurant in the secure knowledge that regardless how late she finishes, a taxi will be available to get her home safely.
Oxfordshire County Council’s supported internships are education programmes for young people aged 16 - 25 with an education, health and care plan (EHCP), allowing work and study at the same time.
Councillor Sean Gaul, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “Sorcha is a shining example of the positive difference our supported internship programme can make to young people on an education, health and care plan.
“Sorcha is ambitious and determined, she just needed a helping hand to overcome some challenges, and now she’s secured employment in the sector of her choice. The team at the Leonardo Royal Hotel in Oxford saw her potential and it makes me very proud that we’ve played a part in what I’m sure will be a successful career for her in the hospitality sector. Well done Sorcha.”
Rachel Thorne, Supported Internship Course Tutor at Abingdon and Witney College, said: The Supported internship team are all incredibly proud of Sorcha. She has approached her course with hard work, dedication and a positive attitude which have really paid off. She has grown in confidence and skills during her time with us and we couldn't be happier to see her move on into her new role.”
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