I have been employed full-time as a computer-aided design technician and marble
saw operator at The Thomas Company (no relation!) from 2023- to the present. I design, produce, and assist in installing ‘high-end’ kitchens, bars, and staircases using various
materials including, wood, stone, and Italian marble.
I have also worked as a Sales Assistant at B&Q during the COVID-19 pandemic and as a bar person at Matt and Phreds.

I don’t have any ‘formal’ paid experience in PA or social care HOWEVER both my
parents have cerebral palsy and are both wheelchair users. I wasn’t a child carer, and my parents were both insistent that that wouldn’t happen. They did however both employ their own PAs who supported them to be great parents.
I therefore have observed what being a good PA looks like e.g. being there to offer
the right support, at the right time, in the right way for the person but not ‘taking over’
or making decisions that are not mine to take. A good PA is invisible.
I also understand some of the day-to-day barriers disabled people face around
physical access to transport and buildings, along with the ‘ignorance’ and negative
attitudes towards disabled people. I have a practical if not theoretical understanding
of the social model of disability.
I know about the required planning needed to get assistance on trains and planes (I
have as an adult accompanied my Mum on foreign holidays.
I also have some limited personal experience with autism and ADHD as my flat mate
lives with ADHD and although not diagnosed my older brother often displays ‘autistic
behaviours, which as a family we try accommodate.
On a practical note – I know how to close/open/lift manual and power wheelchairs to
put in vehicles. My Dad used to have a vehicle that enabled him to travel in his
powered chair and I was able to help him in and out of that vehicle and secure the
wheelchair. I am aware of manual handing techniques of objects but not people.
I also understand the Employer/Employee relationship, the need for confidentiality
and the legal status of being a PA. I’ve observed my parents do recruitment,
induction/training, sorting rotas, covering shifts for sickness and holidays, and paying
the actual wages using a payroll program and BACS transfers
I drive my Mum’s adapted car when she wants me to, she says I’m a good driver!

I will say that I haven’t done any personal care apart from helping to prepare and cut
up food and help my Mum on and off with her coat. I would need training beyond
that.