When Lara joined our school, she settled in well, needing only occasional support to stay focused while consistently showing effort and determination. Having faced an unstable home life and several foster placements that had broken down, her move into a secure and supportive placement marked a turning point, allowing her the stability and encouragement she needed to begin truly growing.
Over time, Lara began actively participating in school life by developing friendships, joining the football team, contributing to the Student Council and school governance, and mentoring younger pupils. Lara’s interest in the hospitality sector was ignited by our Futures Team when she was introduced to Roadchef, a leading motorway service provider.
Introducing Roadchef
Initially, Lara faced challenges. As with most 16-year-olds, she lacked confidence and needed support to build it. After hands-on experience during a work taster day at Roadchef’s Watford Gap Services, she excelled in customer interaction tasks. Her enthusiasm led the Futures Team to collaborate closely with Roadchef, setting the stage for potential apprenticeship opportunities. Regular sessions and mentorship through Roadchef enhanced Lara’s skills and confidence. Futures helped her apply for a part-time role and practice interview techniques through mock interviews.
Stepping into the future
Lara is now an Apprentice at Roadchef and continues to thrive. At the start of her employment journey, Lara preferred working behind the scenes; now she works front of house and loves meeting new customers and providing excellent customer service. She has integrated well with the team and continues to develop her skills, contributing positively to Roadchef’s operations. She has grown significantly in confidence over the last year and has become an asset to the business.
