GET STARTED - May 2021

WORK OPPORTUNITIES

As the retail and hospitality sector is starting to open back up again, there are a lot of jobs out there looking for young staff members who perhaps need the flexibility to work around their other commitments. We’ve pulled together a handful of these jobs for you across the area to help you to spot some of these opportunities – although there are 1000s more out there.

There have been a few news articles recently about how the catering and hospitality industries are struggling to recruit the staff they need ahead of the changes to COVID-19 restrictions on May 17^th.

If you’re interested in working in the hospitality sector caterer.com is a very handy resource.

Let’s look at some of the opportunities we’ve spotted across retail and hospitality in this list below:

Waiting Staff - Toby Carvery

Toby Carvery are looking for somebody to join their team at their Shiremoor location.

As a member of Waiting Staff you’ll be a friendly face to customers and quick to make menu recommendations. Benefits include flexible shift patterns, up to 33% off their brands and 28 days holiday.

Hours: Full-time

Pay: Competitive Salary

Click here to find out more.

Store Team Member – Home Bargains

Are you looking for part-time work in the Washington area? Home Bargains are looking to recruit a new Store Team Member.

If you are hard-working and have great customer services skills then apply today. Benefits include 10% store discount.

Hours: 20 per week

Pay: Minimum Wage

Click here to find out more.

Trading Assistant – Sainsbury’s

Sainsbury’s are looking to recruit a trading Assistant for their Newcastle store in Heaton.

As a Trading assistant you’ll be tasked with replenishing shelves and code checking across the store – with full training provided. Benefits include a cycle to work scheme, a season ticket loan and 10% off at Sainsbury’s, Argos and Habitat.

Hours: 22.5 per week

Pay: Unknown

Click here to find out more.

Sales Advisor – Superdrug

If you’re in Gateshead and looking for part-time work then why not put in an application for Superdrug as a Sales Adviser.

They’re looking for people who are confident and good communicators, open to flexible working hours and with a desire to learn and improve. Benefits include up to 28 days holiday and a 30% discount for you and a nominated friend or family member.

Hours: 8 per week

Pay: Up to £9.05

Click here to find out more.

Waiter – Ask Italian

Are you passionate about Italian food and culture? Then why not join the Ask Italian team at their Newcastle restaurant.

You’ll be expected to work in a fast-pace environment, welcoming customers to the store and delivering a fantastic experience. Benefits include training and opportunities for career development and 50% discount at both ASK Italian and Zizzi.

Hours: Full or Part time

Pay: Up to £8.91 + Tips

Click here to find out more.

Are you interested in retail or hospitality but would prefer to be your own boss? Perhaps you have been cooking up a storm in the kitchen through lockdown or getting creative with craft making, could this become an opportunity to start your own business?

If you are curious about turning your hobby into a side hustle or business, but not sure what opportunities are available for you then check out FIRST’s free course in Understanding Enterprise or make an enquiry for further information.

Spotting Opportunities

‘Spotting Opportunities’ is one of the fifteen EntreComp competencies and can be characterised as ‘learning how to identify and seize opportunities to create value, establishing new connections and creating new opportunities for others.’

Knowing how to spot an opportunity is not easy – but we’ve put together a few hints and tips that we hope can help you go a long way in learning how to spot your own potential opportunities.

Get a sense of direction

This might sound a bit familiar for those of you who read our tips on planning and management – but write down your goals. The premise here is simple – writing down what you want to achieve will help motivate you towards your goals, and potentially open up some new doors.

That daily reminder by your bed that you hope to one day become a chemist? Or the note stuck on the fridge that you need to reach out to potential employers on LinkedIn about a career in publishing?

These daily reminders will help you to spot opportunities that you previously might have missed out on.

Collaboration and networking

I know I know – other people, eurgh. The truth is, through collaborating with other people and building up your network are two sure fire ways of ensuring you can better spot and access opportunities.

Put time to one side to make sure you are connecting with new people every week on LinkedIn (don’t worry about getting in touch with folk, shy bairns get nowt as we say up north) and once things are back to ‘normal’ get yourself along to some events – networking or otherwise.

(And for now, why not check out some online events on Eventbrite).

You could even try and seek out a mentor, someone who has more experience and skills than you to take you under their wing.

Be Reliable

You’re probably sat there wondering what has being reliable got to do with spotting opportunities?

Reliability is one of the key traits you should develop, as it is often what people look for and remember and it can go a long way to opening many doors.

Constantly breaking peoples trust or failing to deliver on what you’ve agreed can quickly strip opportunities away from you.

Don’t wait for it – work for it!

Waiting around for an opportunity to land on your lap isn’t usually going to work. You are going to have to work for it.

American Author William Arthur Ward once said “Opportunities are like sunrises. If you wait too long, you miss them.”

Quite often opportunities are disguised as hard work, do not come along at the perfect time and are a quick flash in the pan. So always be prepared.

So, make sure you put in the time, effort and commitment into spotting those opportunities – otherwise they might just pass you by.

Support

• Talking Therapies - If you are struggling with mental health, but feel you don't want to trouble your GP then you can self refer yourself. Don't suffer in silence contact talking therapies for free, friendly, confidential support.
• Samaritans - If you or anyone you know may be at risk of suicide you can call their free listening service for free 116 123 .
• Campaign Against living Miserably CALM - Provides listening services, information and support for men at risk of suicide, including a web chat.
• Kooth - Counsellors available until 10pm every day. Free, safe and anonymous online counselling for young people. Check whether this is offered in your area.
• Cruse – Cruse offer bereavement and counselling for anyone who is going through loss. You can contact them via their website or by calling 0808 808 1677.

FOR THOSE OF YOU SHIELDING YOU CAN CONTACT THE ROYAL VOLUNTARY SERVICE IF YOU NEED ANY ASSISTANCE.

Lockdown Rules

You can find the most up to date version of the lockdown rules here which we recommend you check on a regular basis to ensure you continue to comply with the law.

If our response to the current pandemic is favourable then as of the Monday the 17^th of May these rules will change again – allowing you to sit indoors at hospitality venues (rule of six/two households applies) or have visitors in your own home (rule of six/two households).

Outdoor restrictions will be lifted (though gatherings of more than 30 will still be illegal).

We will also see the opening of other venues such as cinemas, children’s play areas and indoor adult group sports and exercise classes.

Thank you for joining us this month and make sure to return next month for our hand-picked opportunities chosen especially for you! Remember, that if these opportunities aren't right for you, they may be relevant to a friend or family member so give them a nudge and send them our way.

If you'd like to join our Newsletter so that you can get a monthly reminder direct to your inbox the first Saturday of every month please sign up here.

Finally, if you're a business or organisation and would like us to shout out about your opportunities you can contact us here.