Buy Charlie some chef knives

If you read Charlies story on social media- and want to support his progress by buying him a decent set of chefs knives. Please support this cause. Thank you.

"I was unemployed and going through a tough time. I became homeless and moved to Darlington to live with my grandma which was not ideal. Together we went to Darlington Jobs Fair where I met Tammy and Heather from Learning & Skills Darlington. They signposted me to an employment academy course with Blackwell Grange Hotel.

"I haven’t got any formal qualifications, don’t like being in big groups and have really low confidence. Until recently I couldn’t go anywhere without someone with me. Staff on the course were really supportive. They met me on the first day, before the other learners arrived, and helped me to settle into the classroom. They went through my timetable and what we would be doing each day, quietly checking in on me throughout the course.

"During the course we covered basic skills including customer service, food and beverage service and health and safety. The confidence and interview techniques session helped me to understand that I needed to be vocal in my interview and even how to sit properly and how to talk about myself in a positive way. Because the course was taught in the place, I got the chance to see first-hand what a career in hospitality would be like and what Blackwell Grange expects of their employees. I also got to meet existing staff and the recruiting manager which helped me to feel more confident at interview.

"The course helped me to enter the interview with a positive mindset and I was really happy to be offered a job as a commis chef. I now work four shifts a week and am saving up for my own set of knives and to live independently. I have been told that when I complete my probation period I will be going to Ireland to train at the parent hotel and I am looking into starting a professional cooking qualification.

"Learning & Skills and Blackwell Grange have changed my life and given me a future."

Information about upcoming employment academy courses is available at https://www.darlington.gov.uk/.../employment-academy-and.../

Learning & Skills staff will also be on hand to talk to you about opportunities at Darlington Jobs Fair on Thursday 13 February, Dolphin Centre, 10am - 2pm.