Project SEARCH goes from strength to strength | Harrison Catering

The project was in partnership with Ealing Mencap who represent the interests of people with learning disabilities and their carers’. None of the three had previously worked and all were looking for employment in catering following their initial year’s training programme with the Hilton hotel chain.

Christiana, who has Down’s syndrome, has settled into her role very well and has become a valued and much loved member of the team. She is very committed to her job and takes her role very seriously. Christiana has a good rapport with the children and serves on the salad bar as well as preparing food in the kitchen. She enjoys saving up for her holidays and last year visited Canada and Las Vegas, and is currently saving to go on a trip to Paris. Her manager is delighted with her progression and she has made lots of friends whom she spends time with outside of work.Ryon, and Jordan who are both on the autism spectrum are both also enjoying their roles. After just one week Ryon was already out front of house serving pupils at the counter. Initially he was very quiet but has grown enormously in confidence. Ryon enjoys serving salads and puddings best, he’s a big hit with the children, some of whom will only be served by him!Jordan is very outgoing and enthusiastic, his attention to detail is second to none. His potential was recognised early on and within a week he was already making the school cookies. Jordan has progressed so much that he is now undertaking a NVQ Level 2 Professional Cookery Course one day each week.All three young people are excellent role models for others considering Project Search and it’s fantastic to see what can be achieved given the correct training and support. The schools are benefitting greatly too from their hard work, and are delighted with them along with their parents, families and carers.”The project has been so successful that Harrison is now looking to build on these successes and take on some additional young people from Project Search.Clara Walsh Robinson (Job Coach at Project Search, Ealing Mencap) said:

“Project Search at Hilton London Heathrow Airport T5 is delighted to be working alongside Harrison Catering Services.”

Project Search introduced the goals to Harrison back in 2015, and Harrison embraced the idea of employing graduates from the programme with learning difficulties and employed three graduates after the first year.  These employees have grown and developed their skills and confidence and have become role models for schools students which Harrison work in.  They have proven themselves to be reliable and dedicated members of the Harrison team.  I am delighted and proud to be part of this success story and congratulate Harrison on their dedication and commitment to the Project.  We look forward to continue to develop our partnership and forward new potential staff to Harrison in the future