More than a first job

"I never thought I'd have a job"

Looking at Anthony Young today, it's hard to imagine he ever believed those words.

More than three years into his role at McDonald's, Anthony is a valued member of the team. He knows his colleagues, enjoys meeting customers and takes genuine pride in the work he does. It may only be a few hours each week for now, but his job has become something far greater than a place of work.

It has given him confidence.

It has given him independence.

And perhaps most importantly, it has shown him what is possible.

That wasn't always how Anthony saw his future.

A journey that started with belief

Anthony's journey towards employment began in 2020.

Like many people with additional learning needs, he faced barriers that had little to do with his ability. Having never experienced paid employment, he found it difficult to believe he had anything to offer an employer. Meeting new people felt daunting, his confidence was low and the idea of having a job seemed out of reach.

Rather than rushing into applications, Anthony's support focused on helping him build confidence, develop practical skills and discover his own potential.

Working alongside Rachel, a Support Planner with Cardiff Council, Anthony took part in the Achieve to Succeed programme before progressing into Local Supported Employment. Alongside this, he dedicated his time to volunteering, gaining valuable experience while developing the confidence, routine and reliability that employers look for.

Every step mattered.

Anthony also completed a range of accredited training, including First Aid, Paediatric First Aid, Manual Handling, COSHH, Food Safety Level 2 and Customer Service Level 2.

Each course gave him new skills.

Each qualification strengthened his confidence.

Each achievement brought him one step closer to believing in himself.

An opportunity opens

The turning point came during a Cardiff Council jobs fair.

Anthony spoke about his interest in working at McDonald's, and with support from Cardiff Council's Employer Liaison Team, a meeting was arranged with managers at the Newport Road restaurant to explore a supported work placement.

From the outset, everyone shared the same goal: to give Anthony every opportunity to succeed.

During his three-week placement, he worked alongside experienced colleagues who helped him settle into the role, while Rachel remained in regular contact with both Anthony and the restaurant to ensure he had the support he needed.

Anthony's willingness to learn, positive attitude and commitment quickly became clear.

By the end of the placement, he had been invited to interview for a permanent Customer Care Crew Member position.

He got the job.

There was one final hurdle before his first day. Anthony needed to complete his online induction training, but his laptop had broken. Working with Cardiff Council's Digital Team, Rachel secured a replacement laptop, allowing him to complete his training and prepare for his new role.

On 10 December 2023, Anthony walked through the doors of McDonald's as an employee for the very first time.

Building a working life

As Anthony settled into employment, Ategi became involved in supporting his journey through support planning, helping him continue to build his confidence, independence and everyday life alongside his new role.

Today, more than three years later, Anthony is still proudly working at McDonald's.

What began as a supported placement has become part of his everyday life.

His colleagues know him. His confidence has grown. Work has become somewhere he belongs.

For Anthony, that's an achievement worth celebrating.

But he isn't finished yet.

Like many people at the beginning of their careers, he's already thinking about the future.

"I'd love to work more hours one day."

It's a simple ambition.

Yet it speaks volumes.

For someone who once believed employment wasn't possible, Anthony is no longer asking whether he can work.

He's thinking about where work might take him next.

His story reminds us that meaningful support is about so much more than helping someone find a job.

It's about creating opportunities, building confidence and standing alongside people as they discover what they're capable of achieving.

Because when people are given the right encouragement, trusted to grow at their own pace and supported by those who believe in them, remarkable things can happen.

Anthony's story isn't simply about finding his first job.

It's about finding confidence, purpose and the freedom to imagine an even brighter future.

Ategi is helping people across England and Wales live their lives, their way, by building meaningful relationships, promoting independence and strengthening communities.