Rebecca’s hunger for success brings sweet reward

‘Aim High’ is the heartfelt message of 19-year-old Rebecca Jackson from Heywood who has just landed her dream job with The Ivy Collection restaurant group – and is the youngest pastry chef working in their new brasserie in Greater Manchester.

Rebecca, who has Asperger syndrome, wants to highlight her employment success to inspire other job seekers and to encourage employers to keep an open mind when a potential candidate explains that they have a managed disability or health issue.

Rebecca was supported into her current role by Working Well (Work and Health Programme) which provides tailored support to individuals with disabilities and health conditions who are seeking employment.

Challenging stereotypes

Asperger syndrome is often described as a developmental disorder that is characterised by difficulties in some social interactions and repetitive patterns of behaviour.

Rebecca explained: “I received my diagnosis of Asperger syndrome in my early teens when I was still at school.

“Now I want to use my success to challenge the stereotypes that some people have. With the right support, I have learnt to manage my condition and I’ve channelled my thoughts into a positive and committed approach to my catering work.”

After being unemployed for more than a year, Rebecca was referred by Michelle Lowery at Heywood Jobcentre Plus to Working Well (Work and Heath Programme), delivered in Rochdale by Ingeus. It is an initiative commissioned by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and receives support from the European Social Fund.

Rebecca received help from specialist Ingeus key worker Shaid Shakoor who put together a package of assistance that enabled her to further improve her social interaction and interview skills, gain work experience and boost her self-confidence.

Shaid said: “Although Rebecca had gained qualifications in patisserie baking and making confectionery, she had not been able to find employment.

“We placed Rebecca in a temporary paid role to initially gain work experience as a catering assistant at a local café.

“Rebecca also attended confidence building workshops and role play exercises with different members of the Ingeus team. She gained further assurance as we ran through practice interview sessions and work-place scenarios. I then arranged for her to attend an interview at The Ivy Spinningfields, which was recruiting for staff for its new restaurant in Manchester.”

The right support

The group of glamourous, yet accessible restaurants describes its nationwide venues as The Ivy Collection. The newly-opened Ivy Spinningfields includes a ground floor brasserie, first floor private dining room, an Asian bar and restaurant on the second floor and a roof terrace garden.

Rebecca continued: “I am just so thrilled; I can hardly believe that I’m a pastry chef at The Ivy Spinningfields.

“I have worked hard to improve my skills and gain the necessary qualifications. I had the right support from Ingeus and I just kept on applying for the vacancies that they suggested. Now I feel I really have my dream job.

“It’s daunting getting to know people at first, but after taking a deep breath you just take things slowly. In the kitchens, it is a real team effort and my managers are pleased with my work. They know about my diagnosis and it makes no difference to them or my other work colleagues. That’s how it should be. It’s always important to maintain your confidence and aim high.”