Our Outcomes
Esme's Story
Esme has been working at Denison Barracks in Berkshire with Sodexo completing a Level 2 Apprenticeship since graduating Aurora Foxes in 2022. Esme works in the officer's mess doing food preparation in the kitchen, following recipes to make casseroles, soups and curries. Watch the video below to find out more:
Cameron's Story
2019 Foxes graduate Cameron takes us on a day in the life of a Commis Chef at The Pig at Combe in Honiton. Cameron has worked at The Pig for 4 years in the kitchen and gardens, he is responsible for maintaining the vegetable patches, weeding and assisting the head gardener, along with supporting the kitchen with chopping vegetables and preparing food.
We hope you enjoy the video!
Andrew's Story
Work ready...
Andrew left Foxes after 3 years in the summer of 2021. Whilst at Foxes (and until Covid-19 had its impact) Andrew participated in a number of off-site placements starting in his first year, when he went to Hinkley Point C. In his second year he was working at Norton Manor in the Mess and travelled independently from Minehead to get there and, when things started to
open a little after Covid in his 3rd year, he went regularly to the Conquest Centre.
His work experience at Norton Manor was facilitated by Sodexo with the help of the Foxes
Transition Team. They subsequently helped Andrew gain employment with Sodexo at RAF
Odiham after graduating. This was initially an unpaid position, on a trial basis, but after a few
months became a paid job. Andrew has now been a proud member of the RAF Odiham team
for Sodexo since the beginning of April 2022. He works in the RAF Junior Ranks and Sergeants Mess doing food prep and service (including till work) for both the lunch and evening sittings. He works for eight hours on Mondays and Tuesdays as well as some extra days as overtime when requested by his manager.
What skills did you learn at Foxes that you put into use now?
"All of my catering skills which I use at Odiham, Frensham Pond Galley and the Bramley Bakery, but most importantly, Foxes has given me confidence to work in paid jobs."
Prior to the job at RAF Odiham changing from unpaid to paid, Andrew (who is quite well
known in his village) was approached by the proprietors of the local bakery, who wanted him
to start working 2 days a week there - as a paid position - just a few months after graduating.
He works wrapping bakery products and cleaning in and around the bakery. He is able to walk
to work and is completely independent in this role.
When the Odiham role became a paid position, there was a dilemma, as Andrew wanted to
stay in both jobs (those who know Andrew knows that he just loves working). Happily, both
employers were able to accommodate Andrew's wishes, so he has been a valued and paid
employee at his local bakery for nearly 18 months now and a paid Sodexo employee for over 10 months too.
Life ready...
In his spare time, Andrew enjoys sailing and on Thursdays he works at the local sailing club,
Frensham Pond Sailability in The Galley. Andrew has also been able to help out on special
occasions like parties and dinners, putting into action all of his work skills but also his social
skills learnt at Foxes. The "Galley" is a working canteen and Andrew operates the till, helps
with food prep, service and some cooking. For all the work that Andrew does at Frensham he
received a special trophy (Disabled Sports Personality of 2022) from the Haslemere Sports Council; which was featured in the local newspaper!
Since leaving Foxes, Andrew has enjoyed sailing at every available moment! He now competes in races at the club and also at several away meets. He took part in the National Disabled Championships 2022 at Carsington in Derbyshire and achieved a second in his class of
dinghy. His prize was awarded by the CEO of WorldSailing! Last year Andrew also passed his Sailing and Power Boat RYA courses, so he can now drive a Power Boat as well as sail!
What is your happiest memory from your time at Aurora Foxes?
"Meeting new people and special friends and winning 'Most Inspirational Student' at the Foxes Christmas Presentation in December 2020."
Finally, Andrew has also now started driving lessons! If he can successfully pass his test he will be able to drive himself to work at RAF Odiham. Another huge step towards being as independent as possible.
2023 Graduate Qualification Outcomes
-
100% of 2023 graduates achieved their Entry Level 3 Introduction to the Hospitality Industry qualification
-
100% of 2023 graduates achieved their NVQ Level 1 in Hospitality and Catering qualification
-
100% of 2023 graduates achieved their Level 1 and Level 2 Food Hygiene qualification
-
100% of 2023 graduates achieved their Entry Level Employability Skills qualifications
