From Internship to Inspiration: Tom Barnes’ Journey with Sodexo 

“I came from a fast-food background, but I always knew that I wanted more from my career.” Tom shares.  

The Supported Internship Programme provides young people with opportunities to explore different roles, identify their strengths, and build confidence. Each participant is supported by a trained job coach throughout their placement. 

For Tom, this journey began in September 2024 at Leonardo's Helicopter site. It didn’t take long for Tom to shine as Tom is clear on what he is keen on.  

“I chose to dive into the catering team at Sodexo within Leonardo Helicopter’s site. I enjoy the strong sense of teamwork and love the fast-paced environment and customer-facing aspect of catering. It has always been my passion.” 

Within weeks of joining the team, his dedication and enthusiasm stood out almost immediately, earning recognition from his colleagues. 

The ask that changed everything

A turning point came when a catering role opened up. With support from his Discovery job coach, Emma Marsh, Tom decided to pursue the opportunity. 

Emma reached out to the catering team to discuss Tom’s performance during his internship and whether he might be considered for the role. Recognising his potential, Claire Acton-Lunn, Senior Operations Manager at Leonardo, was quick to agree. 

To ensure the process was fair and accessible, Claire and Emma tailored the interview to Tom’s needs. Emma even joined the interview for additional support, though it turned out Tom didn’t need it. 

To everyone’s delight, Tom impressed the panel without requiring any prompts. His passion and confidence shone through during the interview. “Tom’s enthusiasm was infectious, and his performance spoke volumes,” Claire recalls. “We knew he was the right fit.” 

Within a week, Tom was offered the position. 

A role with a vision long-term vision

Now a full-time member of Sodexo’s catering team, Tom works 40 hours a week, thriving in his role and contributing meaningfully to his team. But Tom’s journey doesn’t stop here. 

“I am so happy that I’ve found a role where I can grow my career and feel valued.” Tom says. “My dream is to run my own sandwich shop one day, creating delicious sandwiches and building a sense of community. This role brings me one step closer to that goal.” 

The power of supported employment

Tom’s success is a testament to Sodexo’s partnership with DFN Project SEARCH, which supports young people aged 16 to 24 with learning disabilities or autism. 

DFN Project SEARCH programme linked Sodexo as the host business with education provider Yeovil College, and Discovery as Supported Employment provider, with the aim of providing full time paid work for interns combined with mentorship and in-work support to ensure a smooth transition into sustainable employment. 

Claire, who has a passion in creating an inclusive environment, highlights the importance of tailored support. “It’s not just about making adjustments, it’s about understanding and unlocking potential to help them succeed. Tom is a proof of how impactful this approach can be.” 

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