Ray turns cooking passion into a new career
2nd May 2008
Ray Jones cooks up his career at the Toby Carvery in Tonypandy29-year-old Ray Jones struggled to gain employment following an accident six years ago which temporarily but severely affected his mobility. He eventually found work as a cleaner and more recently as canteen manager at Remploy’s Treforest site.
When he learnt that the site would be closing as part of Remploy’s modernisation programme, he decided to look for alternative employment.
The modernisation programme will enable Remploy to increase the number of disabled people it supports into mainstream employment in the UK to more than 20,000 a year by 2012.
While visiting his local Jobcentre Plus he spotted a vacancy at the local Toby Carvery and took the details to Remploy’s factory employment advisor, Jeff Oliver, and requested assistance to apply for the job.
Ray explained: “I really enjoyed working within the catering field so when I spotted this vacancy I knew it would be perfect. Remploy assisted with the application and I was invited to an interview.”
Ray was immediately offered the job and began work last month. He added: “Cooking is my passion and I’m really enjoying the job and working with my new colleagues. Remploy has helped me to continue my career – the support I’ve received will set me up for many years to come.”
Jeff Oliver added: “Ray was determined to continue his career as a chef and we were happy to support him in any way that we could. It’s great that he’s now serving up delicious meals to people visiting south Wales.”
Lucy Kelly, manager at Toby Carvery in Tonypandy, said: “Ray’s experience and ability in the kitchen is very impressive. The role of a chef can be very difficult and demanding, but the commitment and enthusiasm that he shows for the job is admirable.”
