A summer job at Are: My thoughts and expectations
Last June, I was a summer worker with the construction department at Are. It was a rewarding experience, and I have high expectations for this summer as well. I am supposed to start on 6 June – which is pretty soon. The suit I bought for my graduation will be replaced by overalls, and I will be holding a shovel instead of a rose.
All summer work is valuable
I feel privileged to have a summer job. Many young people send in applications or make enquiries to no avail. Some have better luck, although it is not just a question of luck: your actions matter as well. Having secured a job with Are for the second consecutive summer, I feel that I did something right last year.
Summer jobs are hard to find, which makes me appreciate all the opportunities even more. I also want to do a good job. With regard to the future, all work experience is valuable, so opportunities should not be wasted. It doesn’t matter whether your summer job is exactly what you picture yourself doing in the future. How you handle your job as a whole is what matters the most. If you do your best to make your summer job a successful experience, you will be able to build on your experience later in life and use what you have learned.
Employer’s responsibilities
Even though finding a summer job can be considered a privilege these days, that doesn’t mean that you don’t have rights or that your employer can treat you in any way they want. A good employer respects summer workers’ rights. This also serves to make the summer job a rewarding experience. For example, a summer worker is entitled to induction training and safety at work – these are obligations that the employer must fulfil. Based on my experience last summer, I can tell that Are is a good employer. Safety at work was particularly important, and I am grateful for that. The tools and personal protective equipment were appropriate, and I also had to obtain an Occupational Safety Card by completing the required training. In addition, the induction training was sufficient, meaning that none of my rights were neglected. All this makes me enthusiastic about coming back to Are for the summer.
Unfortunately, young people with little work experience sometimes face prejudice and belittlement. When that happens, it is difficult to maintain a high level of motivation. Fortunately, this was not the case last summer. Most people were very welcoming and had an open mind.
I am looking forward to working for Are again, and I hope all summer workers feel welcome.
Wishing everyone an enjoyable experience,
Samuel
The writer is a 19-year-old student who recently completed his matriculation examination. He is returning to Are for the summer, after having worked for the company last summer.
