Gordon

Gordon's 'D word' is… delighted!

42-year-old Gordon Cope, who sustained back injuries in a car accident, is already enjoying the sweet taste of success in his new job at Leeds' Tampopo restaurant. Within weeks of being appointed a kitchen porter, he has just been promoted to trainee chef!

Formerly a farm worker, Gordon was determined that he should return to work when he regained his fitness. Looking for opportunities, he browsed the internet and read about Remploy's city centre specialist recruitment branch in Leeds for people with disabilities and health conditions. He walked in the door, and walked out having signed up to a programme of development that would ensure he was ready to apply for jobs that interested him.

"The first thing Remploy did was help me sharpen my skills and write a CV so that I would be confident and ready for job interviews," said Gordon. "This is when I saw a vacancy for a kitchen porter at Tampopo restaurant - ironically, just across the road from Remploy's branch on South Parade, which was very handy!"

Gordon applied, was successful and started his new job soon after. His bosses were quickly impressed and they are now giving him the chance to prove himself in the kitchen. Gordon hopes his intensive training will lead eventually to a chef's position.

"From being without a job, I'm now working at least 40 hours each week in a high pressure kitchen - and loving it!" said Gordon. I'm really enjoying being a wage earner, which is just as well as I am now saving up for my daughter's wedding!"