'Dream big' says SEND intern who secured job

Sorcha Calvert, who has dyslexia and dyspraxia, has started a career in the hospitality industry after a supported internship

"Yes it may be scary, yes you may get knocked down, but eventually you will find a place that wants you."

That is the message Sorcha Calvert wants to give to other young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) after she secured paid employment in the hospitality industry.

The 20-year-old, from Bampton, has dyslexia and dyspraxia, and got her foot in the door at her dream job after a supported internship.

The programme, run by Oxfordshire County Council, has helped 38 young people this year, with more than half going on to paid employment.

For Sorcha, working at a hotel was something she had long hoped for after facing difficulties with learning at school.

"I've actually loved catering since I was at school," she said.

"So I would do all the hospitality events at school with my best friend and she was the one who kind of pushed me to try something new."

There have been challenges, but Sorcha's been supported by colleagues at the Leonardo Royal Hotel Oxford, and secured paid work there after her internship.

"Of course learning with money was very difficult for me because I would mix my numbers backwards," she said.

"So the team here have been really lovely and have helped me understand and process payments through the till - and they're always there to help if I need it."

Anna McInnes, Leonardo Royal Hotel Oxford general manager, says the hospitality industry can offer a great career to those who might have struggled to get qualifications

Anna McInnes, General Manager of the Leonardo Royal Hotel Oxford, said they look for attitude over qualifications when hiring.

She said: "I do a lot of school events and the first question is 'what qualifications do you need?'

"Qualifications help with lots of different things.

"But the main thing for hospitality is having that passion.

"If you've got the passion we want to hire you - and we can adapt things, we can change things, we can support you."

The supported internship programme is open to those with an active Education, Health and Care Plan.

It is funded by Abingdon & Witney College and Activate College and involves a mix of tuition and work placements.

It helped Sorcha realise her ambitions - and she says other young people with special educational needs should not give up on their dreams.

"If you really want something and you're dreaming big - just go for it and put yourself out there," she added.