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Launchpad is a day service which offers adults with learning challenges the opportunity to develop employment, social and independent living skills within a safe and supported environment. It was set up in August 2017 and currently supports over 30 adults in catering and hospitality. Trainees are encouraged to set their own goals, and are supported by staff and volunteers in the achievement of those goals.  
 
Progress and achievement are recorded in interactive 'CVs' made up of written material, photos and videos. If a trainee wishes to progress into employment, the Launchpad team will support them in every way possible, including liaising with potential employers, help to apply for a job, prepare for and attend an interview and support in starting work. 

Meet the team 

Carole 
 
 
 
 
Jo. 
Jon 
Sarah 
Mia 
What does Carole do at Launchpad and what did she do before? 
 
Carole established Launchpad in August 2017 after a career in teaching young adults with additional needs at a local further education college.  
 
She has a wealth of experience in education for young people and adults with additional needs, in particular teaching employability and functional skills (Maths and English), catering and horticulture.  
 
In addition to her PGCE, she holds a Level 5 Diploma in Teaching Disabled Adults. 
 
 
 
 
Jo and Jon run the Launchpad kitchen with Jon also being General Manager of Launchpad. 
 
Jo is our Kitchen Manager and resident cake expert making our now infamous scones! She is trained in SEN support and has worked in education / teachiung for 15 years. 
 
Jon cooks and prepares most of the savoury meals. His previous career of 25 years was as Deputy Branch Manager at Waitrose. 
 
Julie is our manager of our cafe Wesleys, she has had a long background in the catering industry having worked in many establishments over the years. She is born and bred locally and knows almost everyone in Exmouth and Budleigh! 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sarah is the manager of all of our trainee development. 
Sarah is a hard working mum of 6 and an avid Sea swimmer - she can often be found floating off the coast around Exmouth and Budleigh! 
 
Lily is one of our cafe staff and enablers at Wesleys. Lily is responsible for trainee development and provides evidence to employers aboiut their achievements ahead of interviews / employment offers. 
She loves her dog Freddie! 
 
 
Mia is one of our cafe staff and enablers at Wesleys. Lily is responsible for trainee development and provides evidence to employers about their achievements ahead of interviews / employment offers. Hopefully she will pass her driving test soon! 
Hidden talent? 
 
Although Jo and Jon are in charge of the kitchen, Carole is often to be found encouraging the trainees to try out new cake recipes. She makes a mean gluten free chocolate brownie, which happens to be on sale in the cafe! 
 
And in her spare time? 
 
There doesn't seem to be a lot of it - but Carole can often be found walking Maisie the dog on Exmouth Beach or Woodbury Common. She is also an avid Exeter Chiefs fan! 
 
 
 
Julie 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Lily 
Click on this text to edit it. 
Cheryl is our fabulous 1:1 enabler. Cheryl supports one of our students on a 1:1 basis 2 days a week in order to ensure that they can fully access the training facilities. 
 
Cheryl, what is your hidden talent? 
 
Jam!  
A recently discovered but nonetheless valuable talent - Cheryl has learned to make jam at Launchpad: come and try some - it's available for sale in the cafe. 
Nora 
And in her spare time? 
 
Pete, Aidan and Isaac keep Cheryl pretty busy a lot of the time. 
Ajjima is one of our enablers in Launchpad Kitchen based at Seachange. 
Ajjima has a had a varied career having spent some of her career as cabin crew for Bangkok airways. 
She has also been a teaching assistant in an SEN school. 
She loves her garden! 
Nora is an enabler working between both of our sites , both at Wesleys and Launchpad Kitchen at Seachange. 
She is a fabulous barista and will make whatever Latte art you ask for! (Sorry Nora)... 
Cheryl 
Ajjima 
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