How long have you worked for The Trafford Centre?

I joined The Trafford Centre five years ago following a career in Printing.  There were Industry-wide redundancies at the time as a result of advances in technology, and despite the offer of future employment, I decided it was time to try something new.  I had seen The Trafford Centre being built and really coming to life over the previous years, and it looked really exciting.  Plus, most of my hobbies involve the great outdoors, so the external Caretaker role seemed ideal.

How is the job different to what you have done before?

I was used to working Monday to Friday, indoors, with the same team of people around me every day.  When I came to The Trafford Centre, it was a complete change.  I work on a rolling rota, and it is a very physical job.  It took me a while to adapt to the changed work pattern, but the rota system works really well for me.  I get either three or four days off in a row, so I can really get on with things outside work - like DIY jobs at home, or my Crown Green Bowling League.  The level of Customer Service involved in the job was also a big change.  As well as speaking to my colleagues every day, this job requires a lot of interaction with delivery drivers, retail staff and customers.  The role is really varied, and no two days are the same.

What does a typical day involve?

Every shift starts with a team briefing.  The Team Leader will inform us of any issues that may affect our work, and then allocate our tasks for the day.  I typically have responsibility for one of the Service Yards for the duration of the shift.  This means I maintain Health & Safety standards; advise delivery drivers of where they can park and unload; monitor the recycling bins; and maintain the cleanliness of the area.  One of the main parts of the job is Customer Service - giving people directions and answering their questions.  I found this quite a challenge when I first started, but my confidence has grown enormously as my knowledge of the Centre has improved - and I always carry a guide in my pocket just in case.

What other skills have you gained during your time at The Trafford Centre?

I think confidence is the main thing, but I have gained a lot.  I have tried to take advantage of all the development opportunities on offer, and have attended a range of courses, from specialist machinery and vehicles to disability awareness.  I really value anything that improves my understanding of the job and the people I interact with.  Last year I volunteered for the first ever Skills Enhancement programme - a mixture of classroom training, homework and work-shadowing designed to provide an insight into the role of a Team Leader.  It was quite hard work, but really rewarding.  I learned a huge amount and now feel more positive about my abilities and my involvement in the Centre as a whole.  We were all really proud when we got our certificates from Gordon McKinnon (Operations Director), and were given the opportunity to be Acting Team Leader for certain days - it made us feel our acheivement had really been recognised.

What are your plans for the future?

I would like to be a Team Leader one day, but I think there is still a lot of learning to do before then.  I will be taking part in a range of activities this year following on from the Skills Enhancement programme, and I will also be involved in an Ambassador programme - aimed at promoting awareness of The Trafford Centre as a Company and employer to different groups in the community.  What with this and the exciting opening of Barton Square later in the year, I think that's more than enough to be going on with!