Orla gets het first job!

Last April, 24-year-old Orla began volunteering at Basingstoke Hospital. Ready for her next challenge, she started applying for paid roles, including one at the hospital. This week, she received the fantastic news that she had got the job! On Monday, she’ll start her new role as a Nursery Practitioner.

When Orla first joined FitzRoy, she was volunteering at a nursery. Soon after, she started helping out at the hospital, taking on tasks like fetching wheelchairs and chatting warmly with patients on the ward. In her new role at the hospital creche, she will be caring for the children of hospital staff.

Over the past two years, Orla has been supported by FitzRoy as she works towards her goal of living independently. Orla is autistic and has a learning disability, and while she cherishes her independence, she benefits from a little extra support with daily tasks like cooking or visiting unfamiliar places.

Chris, the service manager at our supported living service in Hampshire said, “Orla asked me if I could do a mock interview with her since she had an interview for a hospital creche role the next day. I used the interview questions we typically ask when hiring support workers but adjusted them to match the position she was applying for.

“We did everything like a real interview would – I invited her into the room, introduced myself, and offered her a drink before beginning the questions. I was absolutely blown away by how confidently and thoroughly she answered each one. Orla has a Level 2 Health and Social Care Qualification, but it was clear she’d done additional preparation. She didn’t need any prompting; she answered so well.

“I congratulated her afterward and told her how well I thought she’d done. The goal was to give her a sense of what to expect and help ease any nerves she might have.

“The next day, Orla went for her interview, and this week found out she’d got the job! We couldn’t be more thrilled for her.”

Orla said, “I got the job! I start on Monday, and I’m so excited.”

Chris said, “Orla dreams of moving into her own flat and working full-time one day. This job is a huge milestone toward achieving that goal. I’m incredibly proud of her.”