Member Article

Sodexo’s Megan celebrates National Apprenticeship Week

This week is National Apprenticeship Week and celebrates the positive impact which apprenticeships can have on developing individuals, businesses and the wider economy. Megan Robinson joined Sodexo just over nine months ago in the learning and development department in Salford, Manchester.

At six months old, Megan was diagnosed as being profoundly deaf and initially fitted with hearing aids. At the age of two and half, Megan had a cochlear implant, an electronic medical device that replaces the function of the damaged inner ear, which she still uses today.

Megan went to mainstream school, developing her confidence and ability to communicate well with everybody.

Having interviewed for several roles in the retail industry, unsuccessfully, Megan feared that her disability was preventing employers offering her the job as they worried about Megan’s communication with customers and colleagues.

However, Megan was introduced to an apprenticeship with Sodexo by a friend and subsequently joined the company in May 2016.

In her role in the learning and development team, Megan is doing Edexcel L2 Diploma in Business Administration with Babcock, and has completed a couple of tests and assignments throughout her apprenticeship.

“As I am deaf I find it difficult to use the telephone and do not hear well in a noisy environment or over distance, therefore I was always conscious that I wasn’t ideally suited to interview scenarios. I find it much easier to understand what a person is saying if they face me and I can see their lip pattern.”

Megan was always confident that once she did get a job, her employer would see that her disability was in no way a barrier.

“I enjoyed the interview with Sodexo as I was made to feel comfortable and relaxed by my interviewers. I was nervous at first, but they made me feel comfortable, welcome and relaxed. It was very informal and they were extremely supportive.”

Having been offered an apprenticeship, Megan and her direct line manager looked into what support was available to Megan through Access to Work and regularly evaluate whether the business is offering the correct support.

“I have never once been treated any differently - all my colleagues have been very supportive and understanding; I’m just part of the team and I’m proud to be part of Sodexo.

“The best part of my role has been learning so many new skills, meeting people and knowing that I can approach the company and my colleagues for support if and when needed.”

Megan is continuing to enjoy her current role within the business and is keen to progress her career at Sodexo.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Toby .