From working in a negative working environment to finding a position that developed me through training and support, By YEUK Ambassador Paul Cashman-Roberts
Youth Ambassador Paul shared with YEUK what he did when his position just wasn’t right.
I began my first job 2 years ago when I was just 16, in a small harbour side fish and chip shop with an indoor and outdoor restaurant it was seasonal – March to September. The managers where the nicest people I have ever met. They helped me all the way through my time at the shop. After my first season I returned to carry out my second stint this time taking on more responsibilities and having an even better time (and I plan to go back this season too).
After my second season ended, early September and i moved on to my second position. This time it was absolutely horrific, I was made to work a twelve hour shift without even being offered a break! I received no training what so ever and was just thrown into it, luckily the experience from my last job did mean I could just keep my head above the water, just!
After the first few shifts I started feeling very run down which I did mentioned to the assistant manager and the reply I received still angers me now “you’ll get used to it” from past experience I know I was a good worker and worth more than the way I was being treated. In addition to the attitude from the assistant manager, I was being asked to work shifts at very short notice (24hours beforehand). The amalgamation happened in the 2 weeks I worked there and I finally handed in my notice, I was paid £45 for my fortnights work, I was to fed up to even think about taking the matter any further.
Then several months later I received a call from a company saying would I mind coming in for an interview for a position that I had applied to in late august (I had completely forgotten about this). So I went along to the interview which was followed up three days later by a phone call saying I had gotten the position! I later found out during the training process (yes I received proper training too) that I would be managing my own department, this was a bit of a shock to me as I am only 18 and the thought of me taking on those responsibilities was daunting.
However, they gave me a great deal of help, day to day I:
- Organise displays
- Manage stock
- Fill out risk assessments
- Hitting sales targets (of which I have been up on every single week)
- Implementing strategies to improve sales
- Take care of customer service
- Handle queries and also complaints
Furthermore I know that this company respects me as an employee because I have been put on a wage far above the minimum for my age and have been given a full employment contract with actual contracted hours and statutory rights. In addition I also received a call from the area manager saying that my department preformed the best in the whole of the south west and south Wales.
Where would you like to go now?
- Read about taking action with your passion!
- Read about Volunteering with YEUK
- Read up on #Employability in Seven Steps?
- Sign up as a youth member
- Go Back Home
