A top-ranking restaurant has offered a dream job to a disabled student.
Josh Osborn (30) is currently working as a prep chef in The Ivy Montpellier Brasserie, Cheltenham.
Osborn, a man with autism and mental health issues, was having trouble finding work. He registered for the National Star college in Cheltenham.
Josh Osborn, a 30-year-old disabled student, now works as a prep cook at The Ivy Montpellier Brasserie Cheltenham. This is thanks to The National Star (Thousand Word Media/National Star/PA).
A personal job coach was assigned to him, who helped him improve his interview skills and boost his CV by putting him through extensive work experience in the catering industry. This helped him get relevant qualifications.
“Having Josh, my job coach, made me feel much more reassured and he has helped me in lots of ways, from going to interviews with me to taking me to my first shift at The Ivy at 7am,”Mr Osborn, who resides in Gloucester’s supported accommodation, said so.
“He has even helped me learn to budget so that I have money to pay my bills.”
His job coach helped Mr Osborn to break down his work into tasks and create lists. This allowed him to be more efficient in the hectic kitchen.
“When I get anxious, I start forgetting so breaking things into tasks and putting lists on my phone has helped,”He stated.
“I don’t think I would have been able to handle the pressure without the support of my job coach.
“I love this job and don’t want to mess it up.”
Matthew Aldred, head of The Ivy Montpellier Brasserie’s kitchen, stated: “Josh is an integral part of our team and kitchen brigade, and I am excited to see him continue to grow and develop in his role.”
Simon Welch, the principal of college, said: “The Ivy has demonstrated that even in a busy commercial kitchen, with just small adjustments, they can attract a more diverse workforce.
“This is a wonderful success story for Josh who has grown in skills and confidence to be able to get paid employment and for The Ivy which has demonstrated an open-door policy and been rewarded with a committed and hardworking young man.”