Learner Stories
Freya's Story
Freya studied hospitality as a vocation at Grow 19, successfully completing a Level 1 Certificate in Introduction to Hospitality. During her two years at college, she gained valuable work experience through placements at Maidstone Distillery, Fusion Café, and The Bull Inn. Freya also undertook a significant long-term placement at a local SEN school as a kitchen assistant. In this role, she provided support to the kitchen staff by assisting with meal preparation and service, taking lunch orders, and ensuring the kitchen was maintained in a clean and orderly condition.
While at college, Freya completed many professional development courses, gaining certifications in COSHH, Food Hygiene Level 2, First Aid at Work, and Manual Handling, supporting her next steps into employment.
Freya has now successfully gained employment as a kitchen assistant and is currently thriving in her new position. She is always willing to share her experiences with our current learners and continues to be a role model.
See her story below:
Beth's Story
Before Beth joined Grow 19, she had been struggling to build her self-confidence and self-belief. However, with the support of the college, she has successfully developed resilience and confidence, showing a strong work ethic and a belief in her ability to achieve her goals.
While at Grow 19, Beth completed a Level 1 Award in Introduction to Hospitality, gaining valuable skills that she applied to her long-term work placement as an SEN Teaching Assistant. Beth used her CV writing workshop learning to create a compelling CV that differentiated her from other applicants, showcasing her employability skills and training, customer service skills, and resilience.
Using this CV, along with the skills learnt from interview practices, Beth successfully secured full-time employment as an SEN Teaching Assistant at a local SEN School. Beth has served as an inspiration to other learners and parents, demonstrating that with belief and perseverance, anything is achievable.
See her story below:
Leon's Story
Leon transitioned to Grow 19 from a local SEN School, seeking support to gain employment. While at college, he successfully completed a Level 1 Award in Introduction to Hospitality and studied Level 2 Functional Skills English.
Leon undertook a long-term work placement at Maidstone Distillery, where he gained valuable experience by performing a variety of tasks, including bottling gin, labelling bottles, and maintaining housekeeping standards.
Leon applied the skills he learnt during his time in college to his work placement. This combination of skills and practical experience culminated in Leon gaining paid employment at the distillery, where he continues to work to a high standard in all areas of the business, including front-of-house serving drinks at the weekends.
