Holiday representativeJobs4u title: Holiday representative Nicola Bendall is a children’s representative (rep) for Thomson Holidays. She has worked for the company for four years and is based at a hotel in Minorca, where she’s in charge of a team of five people. What does your job involve? I’m in charge of a Thomson kidzone team of five people and oversee the general running of the kids’ clubs. I also have to take care of my five staff, spend time in each club and see that all is running well. Is it a routine job? Our staffing rota starts every Monday, so I ensure all staff are available at the right times and make any necessary changes. Although I go to each club at set times, every working day is different. It depends on the children booked in and how well everything is going. What problems might arise? Parents may complain if a club their child wants to join is already full up, or if he or she didn’t get on well with the other children in a club they attended. Sometimes younger children want to use the same equipment, like lego or paint, at the same time! You have to be flexible and try to keep them all happy and occupied. Is this the main challenge? Yes. Working away from home for long periods, and sometimes getting homesick, is hard, too. Halfway through my first year as a rep I suffered from real mid-season blues! What hours do you work? I work six days a week from 1 0.00am, when I go to the first club of the day, to 9.00pm, when the mini disco ends. I have several periods of time off during the day though. What is your working environment like? It’s a great environment to work in. The hotel is quite large with a swimming pool, bar, restaurant and stage area for evening entertainment. The kids’ club area is big with a terrace and, of course, there’s the sun! Why did you want to do this job? I wanted to live and work in other countries, something a bit different from working in England. I’ve also worked in Majorca, Lanzarote, Corfu and Gran Canaria. I really enjoy meeting new people. Did you need specific qualifications? When I first joined, I did my NVQ Travel Services Levels 1 and 2 as part of my training. I also had to have a police check before going to a resort, which is standard practice. When I decided to specialise as a children’s rep, I completed NVQ Level 2 in Early Years Child Care and Education. All children’s reps work towards this. I also went on the company’s ‘children’s rep in charge’ training course. Do you need any other skills? You need to be a people person, approachable and easy to talk to. It’s important to be enthusiastic, with a friendly attitude and bubbly personality. You work long hours some days and need to keep that smile going! You also get more from the job if you’re interested in the culture of a country and take the chance to learn the language. What do you like best about your job? Working with new people in different resorts; also meeting the new people who come to your hotel. You really feel famous – all the kids that come to the clubs know your name and look up to you! How do you see your future? I think I’ll make a change soon. I haven’t definitely decided, but I’m interested in working for Thomson Holiday Shops or becoming a children’s nanny. My present job has given me good qualifications and experience for both. Nicola’s route
Nicola’s tips
Related jobs Entertainment manager £ Salary information Salaries vary according to employer and geographical location. Holiday representatives usually earn around £10,000. With experience this can rise to £14,000 or more. Managers and representatives in charge may earn up to £18,000 or more. Representatives are sometimes given live-in accommodation as part of the job. Getting in
|
