Unusual first job for Jason
Jason Mann has just landed his first job as Assistant Trainee Keeper at Twycross Zoo.
He will be working two days a week in Pet’s Corner and helping out in the Gorilla House.
This is a remarkable achievement for the 33 year old from Nuneaton with learning difficulties who until two years ago could not take part in any activities outside his own home. Jason has been helped by Warwickshire County Council’s Aim4, who have supported him through work experience to enable him to take on his first ever paid job.
Jason has been working unpaid for one day a week for eighteen months on work experience. He duties include preparing meals and helping to feed the animals.
Rob Kerr, Employment Officer for Nuneaton and Bedworth said: “We are delighted to see the way Jason has developed since he first started with Aim 4 two years ago. His confidence has built up beyond expectations to enable him to take on a paid job and travel independently to and from work.”
Lorraine Carr, Keeper at Twycross Zoo, said: “Jason has been helpful and enthusiastic since he started here on work experience. He has proved that he is capable of being safe around dangerous wild animals – while supervised. There is a possibility when Jason has completed his training he will be able to cover on the two days a week that I am not at work.”