My work experience week at Berkeley Castle

My week at Berkeley Castle 

Over the duration of a week, I partook in work experience at Berkeley Castle. I worked in a range of areas around the castle including outside in the gardens, inside in the office and I even had special access to view the castle from the roof. I met some lovely people and have had the most wonderful time. 

View over to the River Severn from the roof 

Helping in the gift shop

I was always kept very busy, having to complete a range of jobs every day. The various tasks that I would get involved in included setting up the castle in preparation for the visitors, ensuring that all castle tour guides knew where to be at what time; helping in the shop pricing up the items to sell and rearranging the shelves, and a surprise visit from BBC Radio Gloucester on the Wednesday morning made my week even more exciting.

My day in the shop

Plant Sales Area 

One of my favourite days was spent in the Butterfly House and Yurt Café. Given the task of removing the dead flowers in the butterfly house was made a little harder with the hundreds of butterflies flying around me, although it was a very relaxing and enjoyable experience. In contrast to the relaxing butterfly house, the hustle and bustle of the busy Yurt Café on a sunny Tuesday afternoon was very exciting. 

I was taught how to make the hot drinks for the customers and was tasked with delivering the freshly prepared food to the tables. I thoroughly enjoyed this as there was always something to do, and it taught me how to efficiently work in a busy environment.

With beautiful scenery, Berkeley Castle was definitely the right place for me to do my work experience. Spending a week here has given me an in depth view of the working world, and has provided me with experiences and skills that would help me to secure a job in years to come.

Written By: Heidi Sermulins