Employer Experience Day for Down Syndrome Cheshire

At Carden Park, we believe in the power of community and inclusivity. That’s why we were thrilled to host an Employer Experience Day for members of Down Syndrome Cheshire, a local charity dedicated to empowering children and adults with Down syndrome. Since 2007, Down Syndrome Cheshire has been making a significant impact in the community by supporting individuals with Down syndrome and their families, helping them to unlock their potential.

You can view more about the cause by watching Lucy McLaren’s Ted Talk (click here)

Why Employer Experience Days Matter

Many of the charity’s members, particularly those aged 16 and over, are at the beginning stages of exploring their career options. However, understanding the variety of jobs available and the qualifications needed can be challenging. The Employer Experience Day at Carden Park was designed to bridge this gap, offering these young adults a unique opportunity to experience different workplace settings, ask questions, and gain insights into the world of work.

Hosting this event was important to us because we recognize the value of providing real-world experiences that can help guide these individuals in their future career paths. By opening our doors and sharing our team’s hospitality expertise, we aimed to create an environment where the members could explore the possibilities within the industry.

Highlights of the Work Experience Day

One of the most memorable moments of the day was when our Executive Chef Graham Tinsley gave a live demonstration on making sandwiches. The members were captivated by his skills and attention to detail. In fact, many of the attendees were so inspired that they’ve now asked for their sandwiches to be cut into triangles and held together with skewers – just like the ones they saw during the demonstration!

Throughout the day, the attendees gained valuable insights into the hospitality industry. From the intricacies of table setting and polishing cutlery to the art of customer service. The practical skills they learned are just the beginning of what we hope will be a longer journey into the world of work. Many of the participants left feeling inspired, with several expressing a keen interest in pursuing a career in hospitality after the positive experience they had at Carden Park. Importantly, they left with a sense of accomplishment and a clearer understanding of what a career in hospitality could look like.

A Day of Positive Interaction

Reflecting on the day, Lucy McLaren (Employee and Enterprise Worker) from Down Syndrome Cheshire commented “The staff at Carden Park were incredible, taking the time to demonstrate different activities and encouraging our members every step of the way. The day was an overwhelmingly positive experience, and Down Syndrome Cheshire would love to collaborate with such an inclusive business again.”

At Carden Park, we are proud to have been part of this initiative, and we look forward to future collaborations with Down Syndrome Cheshire.