At Scotsdales we’re happy to offer a helping hand to the next generation. Taking a first step into the wider world can be daunting, but we want to prove that it can also be fun and engaging. Our work experience students will be given the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of working in a retail environment and the levels of work that go into maintaining a high standard of customer experience. We offer roles in our shop floor retail and front of house Café teams to allow students the chance to experience hospitality as well as retail.
Employability Partnership https://www.employabilityps.co.uk/
We are proud to partner with the Employability Partnership. As part of our commitment to the Employability partnership, we commit to providing a number of work experience placements to the following education providers:
- Witchford Village College
- Bishop Laney
- Netherhall School
- Cottenham Village College
If you attend one of the establishments listed, you will need to approach the designated person at your school / college to apply for a space with us.
The application process is handled by your school.
Info about placements
How to Apply for placements
Please use this form if you would like to apply for a work experience placement.
Once we receive your message, you will receive a response within 10 days.
Info about placements
Everything you need to know
Working Hours
Your working day will be from 9.30am – 4.30pm.
If these hours make logistics difficult for you, we are happy for you to suggest an alternative. Although a 9.30 start will be required on your first day for a site induction.
If you are unable to attend for any reason please call the Centre and let us know:
Great Shelford – 01223 842777
Fordham – 01638 720455
Horningsea – 01223 860320
Unwell, or unable to attend your placement?
If you are unable to attend for any reason, please call the Centre and let us know, for Great Shelford 01223 842777 / Fordham 01638 720455 / Horningsea 01223 860320.
You should either speak with, or leave a message for the manager you have been reporting to.
Lunch Breaks
You will have an hours lunch break, the timing of this will be dependent on the department you are working in.
You may bring your own lunch, or you may purchase lunch from the staff menu.
If you choose to purchase lunch in store, you will need to order and pay for this in the Café before 10.30 each morning.
First Day
On your first day, you will be given an induction to the Centre.
This will include some basic health and safety, a site tour and introduction to the department and person you shall be working alongside.
What To Wear
We ask that you wear a plain black top with dark trousers. You may wear jeans, however they should not be ripped, and ideally dark in colour. You may wear trainers.
If you are placed in an outdoor department you will be provided with sun lotion and a hat, or waterproofs, as appropriate.
Mobile Phones
We don’t allow mobile phones on our shop floor, these will need to be placed in a locker.
Should you need to be contacted, the number below goes to our main switchboard, and can be put through to you within the department you are working.
Great Shelford – 01223 842777
Fordham – 01638 720455
Horningsea – 01223 860320
Reasonable Adjustments
If you require any reasonable adjustments to allow you to carry out your placement with us, do please ask. Either at interview, or when initially enquiring.
We try to support students where ever we can, and can often make small adjustments, to ensure everyone is comfortable and able to perform to the best of their ability.
Please note: All of our placements are customer facing. Although certain areas can be busier than others, we cannot guarantee a placement that limits interactions, or working around crowds.
Which department will I work in?
During your placement you may be asked to work in any of the following departments:
Café, plants, Garden Furniture, Gifts, Foodhall, Pets or Garden Care.
Those who carry out placements at Great Shelford, may also have an opportunity to spend some time working with Marketing, Accounts, HR, Buyers and other office-based teams.
Working outside
Your placement will likely include an element of working outdoors.
In extreme conditions, we will endeavour to offer you placements indoors, however sun lotion, sun hats, or waterproofs, will be provided as appropriate.
Are there any restrictions to departments I can work in across the Garden Centre?
Due to health and safety restrictions, work experience students are not permitted to work in our kitchens, on our checkouts, or alongside our warehousing team.
Interview: Before your placement
Before your placement you will be asked to attend an interview. Details of whom shall be conducting your interview, where and when you should meet with them, will be agreed when your placement is confirmed.
What will I be asked in my interview?
You will be asked about your hobbies, interests and if you have a preferred department that you would like to work in.
We will also ask you a few questions around customer service.
Why do I need an interview?
The interview provides an opportunity for us to get to know you, and you us.
It allows us to tailor your placement, should you have specific interests.
It also provides an opportunity for you to let us know if you require any adjustments, or additional considerations during your time with us.
Could I be turned down for a placement after interview?
On occasion you may be turned down for a placement following your interview.
On the very rare occasion that this happens, it will likely be because we are unable to meet your requirements.
What makes us different
The values we live by
Explore our World
Learn more about the varied roles we offer for Work Experience within the Scotsdales family.
Retail
Assistant
Duties include:
- Engaging with customers, and answering queries
- Maintaining displays
- Pricing stock
- Supporting with accepting deliveries
- Basic housekeeping i.e. sweeping, dusting, weeding etc.
As a member of our shop floor retail team you will play a pivotal role in the day to day operations of Scotsdales.
This will include face to face customer service, assisting with enquiries and identifying the appropriate products required for our customers.
Our stores would also not be able to function without the products we offer. As such our retail assistants work to maintain the stock levels on display to provide our customers with the best shopping experience possible.
Café Front of House
Duties include:
- Answer customer queries
- Clearing tables
- Helping prepare crockery for cleaning
- Basic housekeeping, i.e. sweeping etc.
Our Sunflower Cafe’s are as important to the success of Scotsdales as our instore offering. Providing our customers with the best possible dining experience can be the difference between a positive and negative shopping experience.
Our front of house team are integral to this experience, from welcoming visitors to delivering food and high levels of service. These roles are all about face to face customer service in a busy, yet exciting environment.
Dates Available
17th March - 21st March
24th March – 4th April
19th May - 23rd May
2nd – 6th June
9th – 13th June
16th – 20th June
7th – 11th July
14th – 18th July
30th June – 4th July
7th – 11th July
14th – 18th July
We are a family run collection of local garden centres in the Cambridge area. Gardening is our passion.
Customers
Shopping
Quick Links
Get In Touch
Scotsdales Garden Centre
Cambridge Road
Great Shelford
Cambridge
CB22 5JT
- Email: info@scotsdales.com
- Phone: 01223 842777
- Hours: Mon-Sat 9:00AM - 17:30PM
- Hours: Sun 10:00AM - 4:30PM
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