July 12, 2024

WELCOMING OUR WORK EXPERIENCE STUDENT

Every year, Clip ‘n Climb Cambridge host a work experience student from a Cambridgeshire school. It’s a great way for someone to learn more about working in leisure and be active as a part of the Climbing Team.

This year, we were very pleased to welcome Daniel from Sawston Village College, who did a fantastic job.

We asked him a few questions about his experience with us here at Clip ‘n Climb Cambridge:

‍Why did you apply to do work experience at Clip ‘n Climb Cambridge?

When I was younger, I came to Clip ‘n Climb through parties and Scouts, and I had really enjoyed it. When I had the opportunity to do work experience, it came up in a conversation so I thought I should apply, and I ended up getting the job.

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

I have been doing a variety of jobs such as working in the arena, taking harnesses off and on putting them on. I have also cleaned some of the walls and the hand holds. I cleaned the Stairway to Heaven with Charlie and some tables and chairs as well as the briefing room and the climbing mats. I waxed the Vertical Drop Slide with Aaron on one day.

What has been your favourite thing to do?

My favourite thing to do was clean the Stairway to Heaven or waxing the slide. My other favourite is when people leave the wooden ice picks in the Dry Ice Wall so I have an excuse to climb up and grab them or when a kid leaves the teddy up at the top so I can go and climb up to get them.

What was your least favourite thing to do?

My least favourite thing to do was clean the mats or hoover the arena floor as it is huge. Or run a group of people on the slide because you must put the suit on and then the helmet and then explain all the rules and then you must remember to cross their wristbands off.

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

Everybody who works here is nice and friendly but Emma, Aaron, Yaz, Charlie and Cam especially as I worked with them in the arena, and they have taught me lots of helpful stuff and some good jokes.

What are your top 3 new skills that you will take away with you after your experience with us?

The top three most useful skills I have picked up are probably community, responsibility and confidence. I chose these three skills, so I stand out as being a helpful work colleague, so people don't have to go out of their way to cover for me if I slack off.

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It was a real pleasure having Daniel with us, as noted by our two Managers, Leanne and Charlie.

Daniel was a great honorary employee. He immediately immersed himself in the experience of what it is like working for Clip ‘n Climb. He was a great team member and learned very quickly how things work here.

He was amenable to working in a shift work pattern and was always on time and enthusiastic. He was great at following instructions and started to show some initiative after being here for the first week. He was a pleasure to host as work experience and he got on with the team here great.

Thanks for all your hard work, Daniel!

Leanne Clark, Front of House Manager, Clip ‘n Climb Cambridge

All of climbing team thoroughly enjoyed having Daniel in the centre. He was a confident and enthusiastic young lad who was always willing to help out. He worked a busy weekend shift and handled it very well and looked like a permanent member of staff the whole time.

Daniel would also always have a good chat and a laugh with all the staff. It is always nice to have everyone getting along and enjoying working together while on shift. If he ever decided he wanted a permanent job here I’d happily offer one.