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A Birkenhead man has become the first person to secure permanent employment through a training scheme designed for young people with special educational needs and disabilities.
Matty Collins completed a one-year Supported Internship with Premier Inn and Wirral Met College, where he learned about how hospitality environments work, and how unpredictable they can be.
During his time there, Matty developed a strong work ethic and learned a sense of responsibility.
He secured employment with Premier Inn, but he also scooped Supported Intern of the Year at the Further Education Awards.
"A year before I left college, I was one of those students who wasn't in much and I was really worried about my future, because everyone kept saying I wouldn't manage," Matty told the Wirral View.
"Then I started the training and I just kept going. I got there in the end. Now I've got a job, I'm working, and I'm proud of myself."
Matty was trained at Wirral Met's Conway Park Campus in Birkenhead, which opened last year.
Developed through a partnership between The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, Whitbread and Wirral Met College, it forms part of the Council's wider programme to expand supported internships and improve SEND employment pathways.
On campus, there is a mini-version of what an actual Premier Inn Hotel looks like, that has three en-suite bedrooms, a reception desk, a corridor and a linen room.
"The training was totally different to college because it was in a real Premier Inn," Matty explained. "Some days were really fun and easy and some days were really hard, but that's what made it feel real."
Now a real Premier Inn team employee, Matty shares his experience with the next cohort of students during placement days at his hotel.
He even checks in on students on shift, and helps them with his tips to cope with the hospitality environment.
"Now when new students come in, I can help them because I've been in that position," he said. "When they're stressed, I just tell them it's okay and to keep going. It's good to be able to support them because I know what it feels like, and I hope more people from the course get jobs too."
Thanks to his training, Matty can confidently open up to 18 rooms per shift and has been learning how to work in front-of-house and breakfast roles.
Matty said he was supported at first by a job coach at Wirral Met, Denise O' Neil, but then he got used to working alone.
He thought he was "too slow", but he gradually was able to increase the number of rooms he opened and gain confidence in his role.
As for his ambitious? Matty says he one day wants to be head of housekeeping or lead a team.
The Premier Inn employee said he's happy those with disabilities can find employment in places like the hotel chain even if the position is part time or full-time.
