Pushing back

We know not many young people think about tourism as a career. And they're matched by plenty of businesses who won't consider employing anyone under 18 and, if they do, pay them less to do the same job.

Truth be told, for many years Mercat had no-one under 18 in our team due to subjective, and spurious, advice.

It look longer than it should have done, but we pushed back, had a rethink and changed our views.

Since then we've been amazingly lucky to welcome 3 lovely 17yr olds into Mercat in the last few years - Rawd, Aaron and Keira.  As this week is all about young folk wondering and planning what their future may hold, here's a moment to listen to ours:

Rawd: 'I am especially grateful for how supportive the Leadership Team has been in accommodating my school (and now) university timetables.
I am so grateful for having such an overwhelmingly positive first step into the world of work, and for everyone who has contributed to my jar of happy memories here!'

Keira: 'I think it's really important for young people to work, as getting experience allows more time to get used to the workforce, and also helps you make the most of opportunities in the future.
Mercat has been great in accommodating me with the laws around handling alcohol and also around University, and I am grateful that I was not held back by my age when starting.'

Mercat is here for good