We’re all productive adults now, contributing to the economy through our taxes and spending, but we were all young once and looking for our first job, our first step on the career ladder. We all started out with no experience of the world of work but we all got our first break and began to develop the skills that made us increasingly employable. So how did we do it?

My first job was working for a high street retailer on Saturdays and during school holidays. I worked in different sections on the shop floor working on a cash register, taking payments and interacting with customers. As I became more experienced I was given the opportunity to work in the “office” reconciling financial transactions, preparing banking documentation, processing invoices and covering the switchboard. I didn’t realise it at the time but I was building valuable skills, the skills that employers say young people are lacking today. Was I planning a future career in retail? No. Did this experience help me get my first job after leaving full time education? Probably.

So, what’s your story? What was your first job? What did you learn?

We’d like you to tell us your story so tweet us @bbfuk!

If you’re interested in giving a young person their first experience of the world of work, their first step on the career ladder or getting involved in boosting young people’s employability skills then contact me, Jane Mason, on 01296 568944 or jane@bbf.uk.com.