Meet Louie Martland, a remarkable 17-year-old from Wigan, Greater Manchester, who has shown incredible determination and resilience in pursuing his passion for customer service and hospitality. Louie, who is diagnosed with Smith-Magenis syndrome (SMS) began his journey during his school years which has led him to a promising future in the hospitality industry.
In year 10, Louie embarked on a two-week work experience at Tesco, organised through his school. This opportunity exposed him to the world of customer service and hospitality. During his time at Tesco, Louie actively participated in various tasks, from shelf stacking to greeting customers. It was here that he discovered his interest and love for serving people and providing customer service.
After completing high school, Louie joined Wigan and Leigh College where he enrolled in the Level 1 Customer Service Course. This course provided him with a valuable combination of employability skills and the opportunity to enhance his functional abilities. His enthusiasm for customer service and his achievement of Level 4 in food tech GCSE caught the attention of the college staff, who saw great potential in him.
An exciting opportunity arose through Fir Tree CIC, an independent specialist provider for young people with learning disabilities including social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH). They secured a long-term work placement for Louie at The Gates café, located in Wigan. Working every Thursday from 9.30 am to 2.30 pm, Louie embraced this opportunity with enthusiasm and dedication. The café staff, known for their supportive and inclusive approach, provided hands-on training and guidance ensuring Louie’s smooth integration into the team.
Louie takes on various responsibilities when working at The Gates café. Since working there, he has mastered the art of preparing egg mayonnaise and became a pro at making croutons for the homemade soups. Additionally, he is responsible for setting up the tables, serving customers, and ensuring their satisfaction during their time at the café. The staff at The Gates went above and beyond, providing unwavering support and guidance as Louie developed new skills. They are now building his skills to be able to use the coffee machine, where he could showcase his talent in crafting an array of fancy coffees.
Louie’s infectious social nature and love for people have earned him a special place in the hearts of both staff and customers. The bond he shares with two of his customers has blossomed to such an extent that they commemorated his birthday with a thoughtful box of chocolates.
During his time at The Gates café, Louie’s confidence has blossomed. With a strong passion for the hospitality industry, he now aspires to secure an apprenticeship in this field to pursue his dreams further. His college has played an integral role in shaping his future by helping him develop a professional CV and Louie is already taking steps towards applying for part-time weekend jobs in the local area.
Louie Martland has thrived in the world of hospitality, thanks to the support and encouragement of Fir Tree CIC, The Gates Café, and his college. As Louie continues to chase his dreams he serves as an inspiration to all, proving that with the right guidance and opportunities, young individuals with learning disabilities can achieve greatness in their chosen paths.
All the organisations that have supported Louie’s growth deserve commendation for fostering an inclusive and nurturing environment where young people can flourish and create a brighter future for themselves.
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