Job Hunters catch-up - part 2
This week, the programme caught up with mum of three Gemma Price and graduate Gareth Abbott-Haigh to see how they're getting on with their search for employment.
26-year-old Gemma hasn't worked since having her children, but money is tight and she's keen to get a part time job. She'd like to do bar work, but lacks the experience and those ever-important references.
Gemma Price
We arranged for her to meet the manager of the Plough and Harrow pub in Llansamlet, Mike Bolter. She impressed him so much that he offered her a trial shift behind the bar, her first taste of work in five years. She felt nervous at the prospect and found it hard to leave her children but was excited to have the chance of meeting new people and earning some money to help the family finances.
After showing her how to pull a pint of real ale and use the till, Mike let Gemma loose on the customers and she spent a busy evening serving drinks and food.
At the end of her shift, Mike told her, "I think you've done really well tonight, a little bit more bar skills maybe needed, but we can teach you that. I suggest I bring you back for another evening without cameras and the glare of the publicity."
Gemma was delighted, saying, "I think a lot of my confidence came out tonight. I was quite shocked he's asked me to come back, really pleased and excited, so far so good!"
Meanwhile, sports science graduate Gareth is torn between two career paths. He's had a taste of life as a sports physio, on work experience with Swansea City Football club. His other choice is teaching, but he failed to get on a training course this year.
Gareth Abbott-Haigh
To improve his chances of getting a teaching place, Gareth needs classroom experience. He's managed to get some part time work as a teaching assistant at Penyrheol Comprehensive in Swansea.
Rhodri visited him after a science lesson with some Year 9 pupils. "It's really good," Gareth said. "The kids are brilliant, it's definitely an eye opener. It's probably more of a challenge than I expected."
So is Gareth any more decided on which career path to take - sports physiotherapist or teacher? "I think this is kind of pulling me towards teaching," Gareth said. "I'm still in the balance at the moment, I still haven't decided!"
Stay tuned to find out how our Job Hunters get on over the coming weeks.
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