Thomas

Thomas works as a Car Valeter, two days a week at Speedwell Honda in Kingsteignton. Thomas has worked at Speedwell Honda for two years. Thomas has a learning disability.

Thomas’ Words
“My job title here is to work two days a week at Speedwell Honda.

I thoroughly enjoy my job. I have now done it for almost 2 years already. I started this job back in November 2009.

The average length of time I work for is roughly six hours. I start work at 9.30 and finish by 2.30 or 3 o’ clock.

The most part of my job I enjoy is actually being out there and doing it all really. I like washing jobs and once I have hosed the cars all down, they really sparkle and, if you look at it in great sunlight, they tingle as well.

I usually get about 20 cars washed. It’s really quite a good achievement to get that many cars done, don’t you think? The rate I go – I start doing the job, I do mean business. I just crack on and do the whole thing.

It was my first paid job and I have been getting wages given to me each Friday.

When Pluss drive past the main road, from Bishopsteignton or Kingsteignton, I see them and wave to them, say ‘Hello – here I am, washing my cars at Speedwell Honda’s. Hello, I see you, Pluss’.”

(Q. What would you say to someone else who might be thinking about getting a job?)

“I would say I think you’d look fine to try and get a job, to find new ways because, if you look into it, you will be able to go into the outside world. People can rely on you and depend on you. Once you have a job coach, they will start you off and then you can be left on your own afterwards. You might like it and people will say well done to you.

That’s what I think about it. That’s how I look upon it.”

Daniel Smith
Service Supervisor - Speedwell Honda
“The work Tom does here is fantastic. He comes in twice a week, washes and cleans all the cars on the forecourt. He gets them all sparkling, once after the weekend and then ready for the following weekend.

He takes a lot of pride in what he does. He likes to leave here seeing that all the cars are sparkling - looking good ready for the chaps out the front to sell them.

Tom gets on great with everyone here. He joined everyone recently at the Christmas party. He has become a member of the team here.Tom’s main target is seeing everything looking good and presentable at the front, which he does without question.

The support has been fantastic, both for Tom and for us here. From the very start, Tom settled in fantastically, initially with his mentor coming round every visit, and then slowly backing off as Tom became more comfortable arriving on his own.

Now he comes in, cracks on with the work, and has a laugh and a joke with everyone. I think it’s been a credit to the whole appointment. Tom has fitted in well with us and hopefully we fit in well with Tom. I don’t think there have been any complaints from either side. It’s been an enjoyable time.”

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