Graduate Stories: Adeolu's Story
Roots and Shoots graduating students go on to a variety of destinations including paid work, higher level courses, supported training and volunteering. Our Graduate Stories feature our recently-graduated students who are creating a bright future for themselves. |
Adeolu was a student at Roots and Shoots from September 2022 till July 2025.
Whilst still at Roots and Shoots, Adeolu was introduced to WorkFit, the Down’s Syndrome Association’s employment programme. He was interviewed by them and an introduction was made to the Hilton Hotel group. Adeolu was interviewed by the Hilton and following a successful interview, was offered a position working with the Concierge Team as a luggage porter in November 2023, where he continues to work
He loves his work, his colleagues are supportive and help him to be successful in his tasks. He feels like a valued member of the team and is always keen to go into work. At work, he helps with welcoming guests to the hotel, collecting and placing freshly baked cookies and apples at reception as a welcome treat for the guests. He also helps with the collection and storage of suitcases. He was recently recognised as Team Member of the Week for his hard work on a particularly busy day for the hotel.
For his first two years at Roots and Shoots he was on the study programme enjoying a range of subjects and activities, including Multisports, Music, Art, English, Maths, ICT and Gardening. He also had practical work placements and employability classes. In his final year he was on the Supported Internship course - working in the kitchen during his Supported Internship year was always a highlight of his week. He learnt many new kitchen and life skills – chopping, serving and improving his own healthy eating habits.
He loves his work, earning an income and working as part of a team. He loves wearing a suit and tie and looking smart. He is an independent traveller and loves taking the train to work and back. He plans to continue working within the hospitality sector, with additional days once he has finished his education.
Read more about graduate stories