WANT a quick route to the top? Try a fast-food chain.
More than just a stop-gap or summer job, the roles can provide an apprenticeship to degree-level training, along with flexible working hours and the chance to run your own franchise within a few years.
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KFC worker Pauline Richards hit the headlines after working her way up from cleaner to manager at the company’s Taunton branch in Somerset and then staying with the chain for 41 years — and still going strong.
And thousands more are making fast food a long-term career, moving from shop floor to management and even the board room. Neil Piper, KFC chief people officer, said: “We’re always on the lookout for people to join our KFC team who want to have fun while they work, who are enthusiastic and share our love for our guests.
“Offering flexible hours, our teams are able to fit their busy lifestyles and studies around their work. We’re always keen to support our ambitious team members, providing development and career progression opportunities, including through our funded apprenticeship and degree programmes.”
The chicken chain is recruiting to fill more than 2,500 roles, with at least three to five vacancies in each restaurant across the UK.
You will need to be 16 to join but do not need specific qualifications.
Find out more at kfc.co.uk/careers/at-kfc.
KFsee if it’s for you
HARDWORKING Dave Mason, 26, is already an assistant manager at KFC in Woking, Surrey. He joined the fast-food chain while studying his A-levels then decided to make it is full-time career.
Dave from Farnborough, Hants, says: “The best things about working at KFC are the flexibility and the progression opportunities. I quickly became an assistant manager thanks to all the training KFC offered me.
“The flexibility has allowed me to fit the job around my studies. Since joining KFC, I’ve passed the Level 2 and Level 3 KFC apprenticeship schemes.
“I love speaking to guests and no day is the same. If you put in the work, KFC values all of your efforts.
“There are no limits and if you want to progress, KFC will nurture your career rather than it just being any old job. Keep an open-mind.
“I never thought I’d be an assistant manager so quickly but my hard work as well as KFC’s amazing career progression means I have achieved so much. I couldn’t be more proud.”
Chopping shopping in office
WITH half of us regularly overspending, experts are pushing for compulsive shopping to be classed as a mental health condition.
It is believed that around five per cent of people could be suffering – and many of us are at it online when we are meant to be at work.
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David Price, CEO and wellbeing expert at employee assistance programme Health Assured, says: “Compulsive buying disorder, like most addictions, often masks other mental health issues.
“While it may not cause visibly severe harm on a par with alcohol addiction, it does cause serious problems.”
Here he shares his tips on how to recognise and combat it in the workplace.
- !Have you noticed a colleague’s work suffer? Shopping addiction can occupy every thought, with staff spending more time on Amazon than with Excel.
- Try placing restrictions on certain websites. Most workplaces have web filters in place – these often have options for retail and e-commerce.
- If your workplace allows employees to receive deliveries, place restrictions on these. Don’t completely ban them, but a maximum of three per week should work.
- Offer financial awareness training as part of an employee assistance plan. It could make all the difference.
- Understand it is a mental health issue. Offer appropriate support and signpost to professional help.
Jobspot
GET paid to queue. Professional marketplace Bidvine has roles queuing for those too busy to wait.
It pays an average of £15 an hour. See bidvine.com.
Job’s a safe pet
LOVE furry friends? This could be your dream job.
Homesitters is hiring to grow its network. Sitters are employed directly by the company and can decide how many assignments to take on each year.
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They looking after pets in their owners’ homes, getting a tax-free daily food allowance and travel expenses, plus a small payment. The role is popular with retirees wanting extra cash. Alan Irvine of Homesitters said: “The majority of our sitters are retired.
“They enjoy the job because they love spending time with animals and staying in different homes. They can work when they choose, fitting it around other commitments, such as looking after grandchildren.”
You can find out more at homesitters.co.uk.
Em is top class
YOU’RE hired! Emilia Hoyle has been named Rising Star of the Year at the National Apprenticeship Awards.
She has been promoted to marketing manager at Cheshire cable firm Heat Trace while still completing her degree apprenticeship.
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She is also vice-chair of the North West Young Apprentice Ambassador Network. Emilia, 23, from Manley in Cheshire, said: “Winning is amazing.
“I am over the moon. The award recognises the commitment I have given to my studies and work. It is the icing on the cake.”
Now in their 16th year, the NAAs showcase the growing range of sectors offering apprenticeships.
Find out more and enter for next year at appawards.co.uk.
Jobspot
BOOTS is still seeking seasonal staff, with more than 70 Christmas roles currently available at the High Street giant.
Snap up your job at boots.jobs/retail/christmas.
