Kelly
When ECL customer Kelly Manners, 44, expressed that it was her life-long ambition to work in an office, the team at ECL Highfields offered her a clerical work experience placement. Over the following months, Kelly impressed the team so much with her hard-word and professionalism that when a paid administrative position became vacant, she was put forward for the role.
"It has always been my dream to work in an office"
As Kelly explains: “It has always been my dream to work in an office. I even have my own office at home and I spend my weekends going to Staples and WH Smith to look for stationary supplies.
“I’ve been a customer at ECL for a very long time and have enjoyed my work-based training in the kitchen at Greenacres, but my heart is definitely in office work. So, when my Inclusive Employment Consultant, Caroline, was able to arrange work experience for me in the office at Highfields, I was so happy.
“I settled in really quickly and made so many new friends with both the customers and staff, and after a few months, my manager told me that there was a paid admin job going for one-day-a-week and that I could apply for it. I was so excited as I knew this is the kind of job I have always dreamed of having.
“With the help of Caroline, I put my application in and attended an interview. I couldn’t believe it, they offered me the job!
“I love every day that I’m at work; I sort through the leaflets, put together welcome packs and do some photocopying. And the best part is seeing my team – I’ve made so many new friends!”