John Lewis delight special needs pupil on work experience placement

 

This year the Edinburgh branch of John Lewis warmly welcomed a temporary new addition to their team.  The branch was quick to pull out all the stops to give Gemma Tapsfield, who is blind, a real feel for their business during her work experience placement. Gemma, who is one of our secondary pupil’s, opted for a stint at John Lewis to find out what it’s like to work in retail business.  Here is her story which first appeared in the John Lewis Edinburgh Chronicle.  We are able to reprint with their kind permission.

 

On her three day work placement Gemma spent time with Childrenswear, Womenswear, Haberdashery and the Origins team in Beauty.  Throughout her placement she was under the watchful eye of her Care Worker Caroline Roy, and Evelyn Law, Personnel John Lewis who actually co-ordinated the visit.

 

Gemma said:  ‘I started off in Childrenswear where I worked with Loretta Lonta and got to help sort out clothes and fold items and help serve customers on the till.  It was great!’

 

On day two Gemma spent time in the Womenswear with Naheed Iqbal and Haberdashery, where Polly Thomson helped Gemma to sample some of the merchandise available in the department by teaching her to crochet and knit.  During this time the pair made a birthday card for Gemma’s dad and a necklace for Caroline using arts and crafts materials.

 

Naheed Iqbal, Womenswear commented: ‘Working in the department was perfect as Gemma is an expert on textures and could help us sort clothes and was a really capable member of the team.  We loved having her!’

 

‘My dad loved his card’, said Gemma.  ‘I even made him open it early.’

 

Of Gemma’s time at the branch Polly Thomson said:  ‘Gemma is a smashing girl and was really keen to learn about crafts.  We’d have her in the department anytime!’

 

One of the big highlights of the work experience, besides the great cakes in the PDR which Gemma loved, was when Gemma spent time with the Origins team in beauty.  She even enjoyed a makeover organised by Evelyn as a surprise to thank Gemma for all her hard work during the placement.

 

Gemma added:  ‘I’ve had a great time.  Thank you to everyone for having me and making me feel so welcome.’