Dream Job for food student
Mon, 12 June 2017
Stephen Wiles, professional cookery student at Tameside College, has started his career in hospitality at ’ Mr Coopers’ House and Restaurant in Manchester’s Midland Hotel.
Stephen, who is deaf, now works as a food and breakfast assistant in the restaurant after completing a week’s work experience when he impressed staff and management.
Paul Daulby, additional learning support worker at Tameside College, helped Stephen’s transition to the hotel by developing cards to help him communicate with customers in the restaurant.
Nadia Bahgat, human resources manager at the Midland, said: “It’s excellent that Stephen is working in the restaurant with us. As soon as we met him in the interview his skills shone through and he fits in amazingly well with the team. Everyone has rallied round to help him and it’s like he’s always been here. Stephen is the first deaf person we’ve employed in the restaurant.”
Since leaving Hathershaw High School, Stephen has progressed to level two in professional cookery, and will be moving up to a level three course next year.
Paul, said: “I am very proud of Stephen for what he has achieved. It’s difficult to work in the hospitality industry, so to be deaf on top of that is even harder but he has completely blown everyone away with his work. I am sure he will go on to do great things in the future.”