Social Networks:
https://twitter.com/bake_and_takehttp://www.bakeandtake.co.uk/
http://instagram.com/bakeandtakeuk
http://www.linkedin.com/company/bake&take
http://www.pinterest.com/baketake
My name is Alex Smith. I'm 18 years old from Stockport. I was lucky enough to get a job as a Social Media apprentice in 2013 at bake&TAKE, a company from Germany that has now come over to Manchester, ready to spread across the UK and Ireland. This is my story.
In the 2nd half of 2013, I started looking for employment after attending Aquinas college in Stockport. I never wanted to go to University so it seemed like an Apprenticeship was the direction I should take. It meant that I could have a career and learn as I go along and since I consider myself as a person who is both creative and who prefers to learn as I go, it suited me perfectly. When I was at Aquinas, a company called The Apprentice Academy came in and I signed up with them, this was one of the best things I have ever done! From August until late November, they managed to secure me between 8 and 10 job interviews with a range of different companies ranging from graphic design and social media (my main interests). These interviews increased my confidence and by the time it came to the bake&TAKE interview, I felt so comfortable about it that I wasn't even nervous. All thanks to a number of people from the academy.
Then came the interview for the job I now have. I actually couldn't make the interview on the day it was arranged for due to issues at home but, luckily it was rearranged for the following Monday as Robin wanted to see me. That surprised me to be quite honest, no one I'd been interviewed by had seemed that interested in me but now someone was keen to meet me about a job. When I arrived, I was greeted by the then store manager and took a seat. I was slightly nervous but not too bad, Robin wasn't in at that time but John (Financial Director) gave me an interview until Robin came in and it went well. They both liked what I said and I answered quickly and without stuttering. I will never forget when I got the feeling I may have a job, it was during the interview when Robin gave me a look that I can't really describe but it was a good one and he said "There just seems to be something about you".
As luck would have it, I was right. About an hour after I got home Becky from the academy rang me as per usual to get some feedback from me only this time, I got a job offer! I of course accepted and here I am! I have had a great time working at bake&TAKE so far, Robin and John are 2 great people to work with and are very helpful and understanding with a lot of things, some of which I didn't expect them to be so good about them. The company itself is in the early stages still in this country and I am very proud to have helped make people more aware of food that is both well priced and very tasty. I'm not even just saying that because I work for them, it's just a fact! I have tried a lot of the products and I would happily pay the full price for them.
I have to admit, I am not a very optimistic person. I never thought I would end up with a good job that has just about the right amount of work so I have enough to keep me occupied but not too much that I'm stressed out and can't cope. I am very lucky and I have to thank Robin for seeing some potential in me that no one else did and to Dave, Becky, Dan and Laura at the Apprentice Academy for helping me out so much. They helped me prepare for interviews, gave me key tips and also were genuine people I could have a laugh with as well which put my mind at ease. I would recommend both companies for anyone looking for work. It has been a very educational and worthwhile experience for me especially considering I've had no previous employment.
Alex
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