At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage with guests, manage stock, and create vibrant displays in our retail areas.
- Company: Join PGL, a Living Wage accredited company dedicated to adventure and youth development.
- Benefits: Earn £13.45 per hour, enjoy paid overtime, and access generous accommodation and meal packages.
- Other info: Enjoy perks like birthday leave, volunteering days, and exclusive discounts at retailers.
- Why this job: Make a difference while having fun and building lifelong friendships in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: No experience needed; just bring your passion for adventure and teamwork.
The predicted salary is between 13.45 - 13.45 £ per hour.
We’re so proud to say that we are real Living Wage accredited. This means we will continue to pay well above the National Minimum Wage, so our pay rate is £13.45 per hour, with the opportunity for paid overtime (6 day working) during our peak periods.
Fixed Term Contract. Full time working 35 hours per week across 5 days. Accommodation & meal packages available (optional) at a generous rate with zero charge for bills or utilities.
PGL is shaping the next generation through extraordinary residential adventures. Our award-winning programmes help children discover the fun of being outdoors, promote wellbeing, develop character, and build real-world skills for life. Will you join the adventure?
Make a difference as a Retail Assistant. No visit to PGL is complete without a trip to the gift shop or social hub. A treasure trove of souvenirs, teddies and treats! Our retail areas are vibrant and welcoming… just like our Retail Assistants! From building creative displays, helping kids manage pocket money and practice maths skills, managing stock, restocking vending machines or serving drinks to our guests in our social areas… no two days are ever the same. It’s busy work, but it’s never boring!
Are you a PGL person? No experience needed, your character is what we value most. PGL people are:
- Passionate about adventure and the great outdoors
- Friendly people who flourish in team environments
- Determined and resilient (peak periods are challenging)
Above all, it’s our core values of FUN, SAFETY, QUALITY, INCLUSIVITY, TEAMWORK and RESPECT that unite us.
A place to thrive. No matter your background, ethnicity, age, neurodivergence or anything else … PGL is a place to be yourself, have fun, make lifelong friends and celebrate what makes you brilliantly unique.
Fair pay and benefits for all:
- Happy holidays! On top of your annual leave, you’ll also get your birthday off and paid volunteering days to help worthwhile causes
- 24/7 access to our Wellbeing Hub alongside our Employee Assistance Program
- Access to our financial wellbeing platform for financial support if you need it
- Training and mentoring programme, career pathways, aided development and qualifications in future seasons
- Big savings and exclusive perks at 100s of high street retailers, PGL discounted holidays and 20% discount in all our on-site shops
We’re part of something bigger. We’re proud to be part of PGL Beyond, a network of educational travel brands which empowers young people to explore, grow and thrive – through exceptional experiences that go beyond the classroom. Together, we’re making a difference.
For any enquiries specific to this role please email resourcing@pgl.co.uk. We hire the best talent and value a diverse, inclusive team; so, we are dedicated to ensuring our application process is accessible to everyone and are happy to provide helpful adjustments to make it easier to complete. Simply email or call us with detail around the adjustments you need.
However, our top priority is the safety of the guests on our centres. Therefore, all centre based employees and some specific Head Office employees must undergo an Enhanced criminal record check (known as DBS or PVG), which we pay for. You will need to provide a 5-year address history and ID (such as passport/birth certificate). Convictions related to violence, drugs, or safeguarding may affect your application. Not all convictions will disqualify you, as we assess each case individually.
Retail Assistant in Ashford employer: PGL
PGL is an exceptional employer that prioritises fair pay, offering a competitive salary aligned with the real Living Wage, alongside generous benefits such as 20 days annual leave, additional time off for volunteering, and access to a Wellbeing Hub. Our inclusive work culture fosters personal growth through tailored career development opportunities and mentorship, ensuring every employee can thrive and contribute to creating unforgettable learning experiences for children. With flexible working options available at our vibrant Support Centres in Blackpool or Ross on Wye, we are committed to making a positive impact while celebrating the unique qualities of each team member.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Retail Assistant in Ashford
✨Get Your Retail Game On
Start by getting to know the local retail scene. Make a list of stores that align with your vibe and visit them. You'll be surprised at how many job openings come from chatting with staff or managers in-store. Plus, showing that you have a genuine interest in their brand can make you stand out when applying for that full-time role!
✨Join Retail Networks and Forums
Tap into retail-specific communities and forums, whether online or in-person. Platforms like Retail Week or local retail meetups can provide invaluable insights and connections. You never know who might drop a tip about an upcoming job at companies like PGL, so don’t miss out on building those relationships!
✨Be Ready for Busy Season Opportunities
Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal hiring windows, especially in the run-up to major shopping periods. Retailers often look for full-time staff to carry through busy times and may even keep you on after the season. Stay proactive by regularly checking in with your favourite retailers about their hiring plans.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail’s all about customer interactions, so make sure you showcase any relevant experience in your conversations and interviews. Share specific examples of your customer service skills and how they’ve led to positive outcomes. This is your moment to shine when applying to roles at places like PGL!
We think you need these skills to ace Retail Assistant in Ashford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any experience where you've dealt with customers, whether it’s resolving issues or enhancing the shopping experience. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations with ease.
Tailor Your CV for Retail:When applying for a full-time role like this one at PGL, customise your CV to reflect retail-specific buzzwords. Include any relevant skills such as inventory management or visual merchandising, and if you have experience with POS systems, shout about it! This will show you’re serious about joining the retail team.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Don’t just repeat your CV in your cover letter! Use it as a chance to explain why you're excited about the opportunity at PGL and how your values align with their brand. Mention specific aspects of the company that resonate with you and let your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Your Adaptability:In retail, things can get busy and unpredictable, so demonstrate how adaptable and flexible you are. Share examples of times you've had to adjust your approach on the fly or take on new responsibilities. This will show PGL that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at PGL
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail is all about providing an exceptional customer experience, so be ready to discuss your past customer service stories. We should have examples on hand of how we've handled difficult situations or gone above and beyond to meet a customer's needs. These anecdotes will bring your application to life!
✨Familiarity with Point of Sale Systems
Many retail roles require us to work with Point of Sale (POS) systems, so it's a good idea to brush up on any relevant software you’ve used before. If you’re familiar with systems like Shopify or Square, don’t forget to mention this during the interview. Highlighting technical proficiency can set us apart from other candidates!
✨Understand Product Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss the products that the store sells and how we can contribute to their sales. Showing enthusiasm for the products and a willingness to learn can impress interviewers. We should research popular items or trends in the industry before the interview, so we can speak confidently about them.
✨Be Ready for Role-Playing Scenarios
Many retail interviews include role-playing scenarios where we might have to deal with a difficult customer or upsell a product. Practising these scenarios with a friend or family member can help us feel more comfortable. The key here is to showcase our problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure!
