Sapphire Samuels Q&A

Why did you decide to complete your work placement with Holidaybreak?

I looked at other companies and then my college tutor recommended Holidaybreak. He told me all about it and then Holidaybreak came to the college and conducted a presentation and interviews.

What was your position with Holidaybreak during your Work placement?

I applied for a Children’s Courier position but based on my experience I was offered the courier role. I was based in the Vendee.

What did this role involve?

My roles involved preparing the accommodation ready for customers arrival, this meant a lot of cleaning and also some maintenance tasks.

I was also dealing with customers a lot, meeting and greeting them and also helping to solve their problems.

To gain some childcare experience I assisted the Children’s Couriers with the Kid's Disco (I did not have responsibility for the children and there were always Children’s Couriers present). I helped out with making T-Shirts that the children wore of the Disco.

My favourite part of my role was helping out at the Children’s Club and trying to gain more experience.

Was this position relevant to your course?

I was doing a Children’s Courier course so the Courier role was not that relevant but I did gain experience that will help me in the future such as solving difficult problems.

I tried to gain more Children’s Courier experience while I was working for Holidaybreak, and will apply for a Children’s Courier position next season.

What did you learn during your work placement?

I learnt how to handle difficult customers and different situations, I also gained knowledge and experience of fixing maintenance tasks such as changing a gas bottles and repairing toilets. I was trained on this so when customers had problems I was able to fix it for them quickly.

Is there anything you would tell other students considering a placement with Holidaybreak?

I would tell them to be prepared to work hard and expect a lot of cleaning in the courier role.

Any other comments?

I enjoyed the experience and would like to do it again but as a Children’s Courier.

I tried to make the most of my free time by going to the beach and days out at local towns and villages; I enjoyed seeing the local area and getting to know France.