Fulham's Bilal Finds his Feet at Starbucks in Westfield


22 year-old with Downs Syndrome lands a new career with help from Remploy

22 year old Bilal Mian from Fulham is enjoying a new job with Starbucks in Westfield Shopping Centre, thanks to a partnership between Hammersmith College and Remploy, the disability employment specialists.

Bilal, who lives at home with his parents and two siblings, has Down's Syndrome. He found employment through a one year programme giving people with a learning disability the opportunity to experience a series of short work placements,  to see which job role they are suited to.

Thanks to Bilal’s new found confidence, skills he learned on the programme and with support from his Remploy Employment Advisor, Bilal managed to get his CV in front of the manager at Starbucks in Westfield. After a working interview and two week trial he was offered a permanent contract.

Now, he says: "I really enjoy working at Starbucks. At the moment I am responsible for checking the cafeteria to make sure everywhere is clean and tidy and customers are happy.

"Before I got this job I used to stay at home a lot but now I’m working I go out a lot more to meet people, instead of just spending time with my family.”

Remploy Employment Advisor Ibrahim Sowe worked with Bilal and accompanied him to open days with different employers, so he could find out more about working with them.

Ibrahim says: "Bilal has such a positive attitude and really wanted to work but he was so nervous sometimes he wouldn’t speak.

"Bilal was really keen to work for Starbucks, so we made a proactive approach together. He’s doing so well, is well-respected by his colleagues and is a valued member of the team."

Bilal is now keen to try different roles at Starbucks with an ultimate goal of becoming a trained barista.

James Keen, Bilal’s manager says: "He’s very enthusiastic and popular with staff and customers alike. Bilal is always smiling  and raring to go.

" Customers love him and he gets more tips than the rest of the team put together!"

Bilal Mial from Fulham with his manager at Starbucks Westfield

Bilal with Ibrahim (left) and manager James

You can find out more about the work of Remploy and how to access its services here.

June 30, 2017

 

June 30, 2017

 

 

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Bilal Mian who works at Starbucks in Westfield London

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