How I got a job as a Kitchen Porter

Meet Aaron

Aaron is 25 and has cerebral palsy and a learning disability which affects his hands and speech. He is a member of Mencap's Job Squad and he's in a paid job as a Kitchen Porter for Baxter Storey.

How did you get your job at Baxter Story?

I was looking for work for a couple of months on my own and getting rejections. I started doubting myself. Whether my CV was good enough. I just wanted a little bit of support for someone to have a look at my CV and give me advice regarding the job search I was going through. That’s when I reached out to Mencap.”

In July 2024 Aaron joined Mencap’s Supported Internships programme.

“Mencap supported me by finding me jobs to apply for, they gave me advice about how to do interviews and helped me practice.”

What do you like most about your job at Baxter Story?

“I have been a kitchen porter with Baxter Storey for over a year and I love it. The team treats me the same as everyone else. They know I have a learning disability, but instead of telling me I can’t do things, they show me how to do them and support me to get better.”

What does your working day look like?

“I work 40 hours a week, and I can do overtime if I want to. I work full shifts the same as everyone else because I want to and I can.

The days are long and the work is hard, but I enjoy being active. I’m not someone who can sit behind a desk. I love being sociable and busy.

I also work weekends at Tottenham football stadium, where I’ve worked since I was 18. I love working, and right now I’m doing lots of shifts because I’m building my savings. I have a real passion for work.”

What would you say to anyone with a learning disability who’s thinking of getting a job?

“A job gives you that feeling of accomplishment. You feel like you have a bit of purpose when you wake up in the morning.”

What skills have you learned?

“Skills I have learned are customer service , time keeping, organisational skills and how to work in a busy kitchen. I do washing up, clearing away and making sure supplies are stocked. I have to keep the kitchen clean.

I think I’m good at my job because I’m open to learning and I always want to improve. I won’t allow my disability to get in the way of what I want to achieve.”

Do you get help and support to do you job?

“Because of my disabilities, I may not be as quick as my colleagues. It takes me longer to put deliveries away. That gets me down as I want to be quicker. I don’t want to let my team down or make more work for them, but they understand and they support me. I don’t feel rushed.

Sometimes I may have a bit of self-doubt about being a bit too slow, but my team helps me. They understand.  
My managers are very supportive and kind to me.”

What would you say to employers about hiring someone with a learning disability?

“Don’t limit us because we have a learning disability. Show us how to do the job, include us, and offer us the same opportunities as everyone else.”