Curtis – Transitioning to Employment

Curtis graduated EMA in 2023 and during his time with us pursued work experience in Hospitality while also showing a keen interest in Horticulture. Through his internal work experience at The Dovecote Café at our Moreton campus, along with an external placement at Shire Hall Museum Café, he built up an impressive repertoire of skills, and a confidence with the public, which eventually led to employment! Seeing how Curtis developed during his time with us and to now see him thriving and be so popular with customers in his new job really is something to celebrate and is a huge credit to himself. Well done, Curtis!

Ben

Ben graduated from Employ My Ability in 2022, and over the prior year had been completing a work experience placement at the Happycino café! The staff were so impressed with Ben and how he’d taken to his role, that he was offered a permanent job once he graduates. We couldn’t be happier for Ben and it’s brilliant to see the skills he’s learnt at EMA, and his placement, leading him to a real job. We wish you all the best for the future, Ben!

Aaron

Since graduating from EMA in 2021, not only did he pass his driving test, he’s also been working at Luccio’s restaurant in Dorchester since the month after graduating and says that he is really enjoying his work. He finds it challenging and busy but this has also been motivating him to do his best.

He’s able to utilise so much of the skills and experience he learnt during his time at EMA, not just food-prep from being in the café, but being able to apply his excellently developed confidence and communication too.

Shaun

Shaun graduated from EMA in 2020 and despite the difficulties presented by the pandemic, he has been able to find a job working in an Age UK shop. The confidence he showed not only during his time at EMA, but since leaving is so impressive, and due to his incredible enthusiasm and personality, he’s even been back to EMA to help us with tours on Open Days.

Maisie

A recent graduate, Maisie attended EMA 2020-2022 studying Level 2 Hospitality, GCSE English, Entry 3 Work Skills, Entry 3 Vocational Studies, Level 1 ICT work. She now works LoveCake in Swanage, and achieved a 5 in her GCSE English Summer 2022.

George

2016-2020. After graduating from EMA, George joined our Education department as a Learning Support Worker! He is living independently. While at EMA he studied Level 1 English and Maths, Entry 3 Work Skills and Level 1 Hospitality. As of 2022, he is currently doing his Level 3 in teaching to support his LSW role.

Josh

Josh graduated from EMA last Summer and is now volunteering for Hope2Cycle in Shaftesbury, a charitable community partnership promoting health and wellbeing through the donating and sales of bicycles.

George

George attended EMA 2018-2020 and Studied Level 2 English, Level 1 Maths, Level 2 ICT. He graduated in 2020, and is now living independently and attending Gloucester university studying Health and Social Care. He is also part of the British Paralympic swimming team.

Daniel

Attended in 2016-2018 and studied functional skills (English, Maths, ICT), Landbased studies, and work skills. Daniel had voluntary work with Dorset Rangers at Durleston country park.

Jess

Attended 2016-2020 and studied functional skills (English, Maths, ICT), work skills and hospitality. After Jess left us she found a job in retail and is now living independently.

Kyle

Attended 2018-2022 Studied Entry 2 ICT, Entry 2 English, Entry 2 Maths, Level 1 Landbased Studies and Entry 3 Work Skills. Kyle had extended work experience at Sydenhams which saw him take on a whole range of responsibilities and is looking to possibly continue this after graduation.

Harry

Attended EMA 2016-2020 and studied GCSE English, Science and RE. Harry is now a homeowner living independently and working as a British gas engineer.

Michael

Attended EMA 2016-2018, Michael studied Work Skills and Hospitality, and after graduating now works at Dovecote Café and the Oxfam shop in Dorchester.

Thomas

Attended EMA 2015-2017, studying Functional Skills, Work Skills and Landbased studies. Thomas has voluntary work with Purbeck Coast FM where he hosts music show on the radio, and has even been back to EMA to help us with our Open Days, proudly giving guided tours and speaking on his experiences at college.

Nate 

Attended 2018-2022, studied Level 2 Maths and English. After graduating, Nate landed employment works and is now driving.

Cameron

Attended 2016-2020, Studied Level 1 Landbased studies and Level 2 English and Maths. After graduating EMA, Cameron went on to attend SWRAC.

Ryan

Attended in 2016-2019, was in supported living and worked for EMA estates team. Ryan also studied functional skills (eng, maths, ICT), land based studied and work skills.

Geoffrey

Attended 2016-2019 in supported living and has voluntary work with Dorset reclaim. While at EMA Geoffrey studied functional skills, Work skills and land based studies.