Amelia and Zac complete work experience at Climb Quest

This Summer, Climb Quest Milton Keynes gave two students from local Schools the opportunity to complete their work experience with us. Both students, Amelia and Zac, were each offered a one-week placement to experience the world of leisure and entertainment by working across both the climbing and front of house departments of our award winning venue.

During Amelia and Zac's exit interviews, we asked them a few questions about their time with us.

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Amelia was with us W/C 6th July, and she answered the following to our questions:

Why did you apply to do work experience at Climb Quest?

It was a good opportunity to get some experience in something that I could see being a potential job instead of sitting in an office.

What have you been doing as part of your work experience?

Most of my time was spent on the climbing arena to help with clipping in and out, cleaning walls, operating the Extreme challenges. I also done some FOH work like prepping for parties. Overall I learnt the different things that go on.

What has been your favourite thing to do?

I enjoyed working on the climbing arena and helping with the School groups. I found it most fun when the centre and sessions were busy.

What was your least favourite thing to do?

Preparing the veg for parties.

Are there any members of staff you would like to mention who have worked with you, and why?

Finley was welcoming and great to work with. He taught me loads throughout my experience.

Connie was welcoming and the second person I ever spoke to. She made me feel like I knew what I was doing when I was given tasks.

What are the top skills that you will take away with you after your experience with us?

Practical things like harnessing/ briefing and improved customer service skills.

What was your favourite wall and why?

Aliens as it was the first wall I climbed and I was also belayed on it to clean.

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Paul, Co-Centre Manager, comments:

Amelia impressed the team throughout her time with us. She demonstrated good technical skills such as briefing and helping prepare the party plan. We had many School groups during her placement and it was noticeable that she was a solid, competent pair of hands to help run sessions smoothly.

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Zac was with us W/C 13th July, and he answered the following to our questions:

Why did you apply to do work experience at Climb Quest?

I wanted to work on my social skills.

What have you been doing as part of your work experience?

Helped with harnessing and clipping customers in to make sure they are safe to climb. I worked with Schools, Youth Groups, After-School clubs.

What has been your favourite thing to do?

Help with the wall cleaning.

What was your least favourite thing to do?

Clean the toilets.

Are there any members of staff you would like to mention who have worked with you, and why?

Eesa was helpful when I was working on the arena and Connie introduced me to the centre and workers.

What are the top skills that you will take away with you after your experience with us?

Social skills and coaching.

What was your favourite wall and why?

Zigg Zagg as it was the first wall I belay cleaned.

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Paul, Co-Centre Manager, comments:

Zac showed genuine enthusiasm throughout his placement and demonstrated skills that I would look for in an employee. His contribution to the operation of the climbing sessions and cleaning of the walls was appreciated. Zac's progression was a pleasure to see, his objectives of improving his social skills and building confidence was achieved.

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Our team were pleased to provide placements to two students for the fourth year, and to continue our contribution towards bridging the gap for young people. The managers and supervisors in particular, feel both students adapted exceptionally well into a busy leisure scene despite having no previous experience in either leisure or a working environment.

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