So – how’s the first week on site been?

It’s always difficult changing routines, whether we’ve been used to working or not. Not everyone relishes ‘change’. I was keen to find out how the fabulous Growing Talent 20 Associates had found their first week working full-time with their employers…….

Charlene is based with the team at Crown Plaza Hotel in Docklands. Her first week was largely shadowing all departments. As her upfront job offer is Guest Relations Associate, she was aware the role is largely back office administration. Working for a hotel she knew would be a variety of days and hours – after all, how many hotels do you know where there are no staff on duty after 5pm let alone weekends/bank holidays? Unfortunately, Charlene has to deal with the ever increasing and changing engineering works at her local train station. So what is usually a smooth journey Monday to Friday turns into a nightmare over the weekend with station closures. That did not deter her from doing her 2pm-11pm shift Saturday and Sunday!

Kristina has relished her time with Park Plaza Hotel in Westminster and surprised herself on adapting to her changed, intense routine. Kristina shared how it is always busy and the atmosphere is energised. Last week was largely shadowing and straight office hours of 9am-5.30pm. This week her shift changes to 6.45am to 3.15pm! Luckily she has a great transport service into London. Kristina hadn’t even notice she was doing full days until she got home and realised her feet were sore! What a great achievement and endorsement of how able we all are. I’m reminded of the saying ‘it’s not things in themselves that upset us but our feelings about those things’!

Having caught up with Jess on site at More London it’s clear to see how much she’s enjoying the role and team by the size of her smile! She gets in half an hour early to ‘get in the zone’ and set herself up for the day. Luckily Jess has a quick and easy journey from home into London which always makes full-time working more enjoyable! Jess is shadowing different team members with Portico who supply a variety of services to the client. Lots of opportunities ahead then Jess!

Estela is based alongside Jess. Her enthusiasm for the role, team and client is almost ‘touchable’, she learning lots and is almost energised by the full days!

Abraham is learning the world of recruitment from Jamie So and his team at Red Personnel. So far, he’s enjoying it and can see a future as a recruitment professional already! Abraham is lucky to have Ilamathy as one of his onsite mentors who completed Growing Talent over 2 years ago and has worked at Red Personnel since. Abraham says there is almost a competition on who can pick the phone up first when it rings! Despite a challenging process with JobCentre Plus, Abraham is thriving.

Joseph was always going to be in his element working with the Kitchen team at Park Plaza Hotel in his role as Commis Chef. He’s trained in this area and feels comfortable in it. I asked him what has been the best bit so far… he replied ‘helping Frank plate up the cold starters for a wedding party. It had to be set just right to give the wow factor’. No pressure then Joseph.

Check back to see how the guys get on over the coming weeks as they continue their journey into permanent jobs…..