Staff Stories & Development

Lee, Sous Chef

My role involves working alongside the outlet's Head Chef and the rest of the kitchen team, ensuring our food is served to the highest standard and that the kitchen is running smoothly. I enjoy working with my colleagues and the team all work well together to assist in the running of one of the busy production kitchens on campus. I started with YCL as a Chef de Partie and have progressed to the role of Sous Chef since joining the company in 2020. The working environment can be tough at times but I feel that I have developed my leadership skills to help the team pull together during busy periods. YCL is a great place to work as everyone will help each other out and work together. Having the majority of weekends off is also a huge bonus as a chef!

Phil, Senior Catering Manager

I started working at the University as a Catering Supervisor and with the support and development from colleagues I have now been promoted twice, first to a Catering Manager and now a Senior Catering Manager. This last year managing the Library Café, we have increased sales by 50% year on year. The teamwork and camaraderie between colleagues has created a harmonious and successful environment to work in. The variety of roles I have filled over the years has provided me with the opportunity to develop my skills and also allow me to meet and work with a wide variety of people. These roles can mean running a shift in a café one day, to serving up to 500 students dinner, to running and organising a conference, to serving on fine dining events, sometimes all in one week!

Luke, Production & Print Shop Manager

My employment began with YCL in October 2011 as a Print Production Assistant. I was responsible for printing jobs and finishing them by using a variety of bookbinding techniques. I was appointed as a Digital Print Operative (colour & mono) in September 2015. I always wanted to progress within the company and YCL supported me to undertake the Level 3 Digital Print Operative apprenticeship. At the time there was an opportunity to help my manager and step up into a supervisory role which I did alongside attending the Management in Action course provided by the University. When they moved on elsewhere, I was promoted to the Production & Print Shop Manager in August 2019. I am responsible for the daily operations of the jobs we produce and deliver. This ranges from problem solving issues in production to logistics of managing staff and other resources. I’ve enjoyed developing into this role and I feel like there is always room for growth within the business. I’ve also enjoyed working with and developing the team in an institution that allows for a good work and life balance.

Lewis, Junior Digital Print Operative

I started at YCL in July 2018 as an Digital Print Apprentice. As I developed into the role and progressed through my apprenticeship I was able to expand my knowledge and skill set by learning from my colleagues and taking their advice. Once I completed my Level 2 NVQ I then advanced onto Level 3 which I finished a year later. Now as a Junior Digital Print Operative my main role is operating print presses, and over time I have continued to broaden my abilities and become proficient in different areas. YCL is a great place to work and I have thoroughly enjoyed working here from the beginning. My team work well together and we have a strong team which I think makes a big difference, not only to efficiency and morale but also the fulfilment and enjoyment I achieve from my role.

Steve, Retail Supervisor

I am a shift supervisor at one of the Nisa convenience stores on campus and am responsible for opening and closing the store, supervising staff on shift, ordering stock, booking deliveries, admin duties and ensuring compliance with health and safety. I have been with YCL since 2018 and helped the store to grow to where it is today, helping make it great for the thousands of students and staff we serve throughout the year. I have gained lots of valuable experience within my role and use this to help train new members of the team. I have also obtained my Level 2 and Level 3 Food Safety qualifications since starting with YCL. I have worked with many great colleagues and we always try to make the working day as enjoyable as possible, whilst providing customers with the best service. I enjoy working for YCL as they offer a competitive salary and good pension and holiday entitlement!

Sarah, Retail Supervisor

I started working for YCL in the Nisa store in January 2018, I was interviewed for the position of Retail Assistant for the opening of the new store at Kimberlow Rise. During the last year, prior to starting full time as a Retail Supervisor, I was asked if I would like to work as a 'step up' Supervisor as and when the business required, I had basically the same responsibilities as a full time supervisor, the only difference being that I generally worked shorter shifts, I provided cover until a supervisor was able to take over. Since February 2023. I have been working as a full time supervisor in the Kimberlow Store. I am responsible for the opening and closing of the store on scheduled shifts, I place any orders required for stock in the store including chilled, freeze and ambient products. I ensure cash, tills and the safe are correct and secure and take care of the setup and close down of the store which incudes key handling. I am responsible for making sure we are fully staffed and arrange cover if required. I really enjoy my new position as a full time supervisor, far more than I ever imagined actually! I really like the fact we are based on the University campus and we are always meeting new students and residents from the local community. Working for YCL has some great benefits, the pension is excellent and we have access to an online app which provides us as employees with various discounts at local and national supermarkets, department stores and various other retail outlets and restaurants.

Emma, Early Years Practitioner

I started working at York Campus Nursery in 2005 as an Early Years Assistant. My role was to support the Early Years Practitioner, which included caring and planning activities for the children. Over the years there has been opportunities to further my career and development within the nursery. I progressed to the role of Early Years Practitioner and my responsibilities have increased. I have a small group of key children, and work closely with the Early Years Assistants to help each child develop at their own pace. I have always enjoyed working as part of a team and working in the nursery is very much a team effort. Your colleagues will support you, as you support them. This is one of the many things I like working in this environment. Every day brings different challenges and achievements for the children and I love being part of this. I enjoy my time with the children, and I provide activities and support them along their nursery journey. I feel I am always supported by the management team to continue with my development within the nursery. I am offered support as needed and training opportunities. I have recently accepted the position of Room Leader which will begin when we move to the newly built nursery. This role will increase my responsibility once again. I will be overseeing one of the nursery rooms, supporting a team of Early Years Assistants and Early Years Practitioners, whilst continuing to offer a stimulating environment for the children. I look forward to starting my new role in the new nursery in 2024.

Beth, Early Years Apprentice

I am currently an Early Years Apprentice at York Campus Nursery studying for level 3 in childcare. I love working here as the staff have been very welcoming and helpful. I am grateful to have been given the opportunity to help children learn and develop.

Nadia, Business Development Executive

I am responsible for providing sales support to the Sales and Events Manager, whilst developing and enhancing growth within the business via customer acquisition and increasing sales. I also provide training and support to the Sales and Events Coordinators to help to achieve revenue targets. I initially joined YCL as an Events Coordinator in 2022 and was promoted to Business Development Executive in 2023. It was extremely rewarding to be recognised for my skills and contribution to the section. I enjoy collaborating with my colleagues to bring in new and exciting events. These have included the York Fashion Week at the Guildhall and the London Film Music Orchestra in Central Hall! No two days are the same and being able to work with so many different teams and departments allows you to build great relationships across the University!

Bex, Sales & Events Coordinator

My role is Sales and Event Coordinator, I help play a role in organising conferences and events at both campus and at The Guildhall. I liaise with both internal and external groups finding the perfect space for their conference or event and support them with their planning process, to then being there on the day to ensure smooth event operations. Overall my role helps to create memorable experiences and promote the University of York as a events space for both internal and external departments. After every event there is a sense of accomplishment, seeing both the clients and delegates happy with how everything has turned out. Events are about creating positive memories, learning something new and bringing people together. Be it colleagues and like minded people at conferences, family and friends at weddings, events bring people together. Also to me, seeing this and knowing I have helped play a part is the best achievement. My colleagues are the most supportive I have ever worked in. There is never a blunt no, more a how can we help? Everyone shares their knowledge with each other and is happy to help where needed. I have been in my role for 4 months and I feel that I have both learnt so much, yet still there is so much to learn! Personal development is a continuous journey in this role and I have had so much support. My confidence, resilience and problem solving has improved, and so have the more technical skills of using the systems that are used daily. The opportunities for professional growth are plenty, and I am excited for the further development. Working for YCL, you are an individual not just an employee, your voice is heard and you are able to get support and guidance where needed. Your health both physically and mentally matters and is taken into consideration.

Karen, Centre Receptionist

My main role as a Centre Receptionist in the IT Centre is to provide a warm welcome to all residents and visitors and listen to requests and act accordingly. I feel I have accomplished a professional and friendly working environment where I am able to help and assist the residents in my building with any requests they have. Our team dynamic is built on support and trust which means we are always ready to lend a hand with bigger tasks to get the job done. I have recently completed an “emergency first aid at work plus” course which has given me more confidence lone working. Working for YSPL, I feel I can speak openly about any number of matters, and my suggestions and concerns are taken seriously. I feel very lucky to work with such a lovely team and in such a supportive environment.

Riker, Centre Receptionist

I am responsible for looking after The Catalyst building from Wednesday to Friday. This includes making sure the maintenance around the building is up to date, being the first point of contact for residents and upkeep of cleanliness in communal areas. For the rest of the week, I help with admin work for Phase One and the rest of the Science Park. I have been with YCL since 2022 and I love working for the Science Park as it feels like a little family. We all support each other are encouraged to grow to our full potential. My colleagues are all hardworking and we all share our ideas and responsibilities. My main accomplishment would be working with Phase One, our business incubator for start-ups. Looking after emails and liaising between team members and our start ups is very fulfilling. My confidence has grown hugely since starting in my role. I enjoy working as part of YCL and the wider University network and all the benefits that come along with it. YCL offers a great range of benefits for their staff and HR are always a call away and happy to help you get any benefits needed as part of the package!

Bruna, Community Engagement Manager

My role is very diverse, but mainly I am responsible for the sales and overseeing marketing of work spaces and for running our Business Incubator Programme. I was initially employed in January 2020 and began the role of Business Development Assistant in July 2021. I was promoted to the Community Engagement Manager in March 2023. I am now a line manager and support a team member. One of my main accomplishments is being key in the opening and development of The Guildhall; a place where enterprise development begins, great minds co-locate and businesses unite organically. I have made friends for life and I know my team members are there for support. I have become more confident in my role and outside of work. The working environment is an inclusive and open workspace. I enjoy the flexible working patterns and good holiday allowance.

Lewis, Assistant Operations Manager

I work across both York Sport sites and line manage the Duty Manager teams, ensuring the day to day of the operations run smoothly. I also support the Senior Operations Manager with their work and any ongoing projects. I started as a Duty Manager in 2017 and then was successfully appointed as Training and Compliance Manager before taking up the role of Assistant Operations Manager in 2023. During my time with York Sport, I have completed a Level 5 Apprenticeship in Operations and Departmental Management and a Level 5 Diploma in Management and Leadership. These qualifications helped give me the skills and knowledge to progress within the section. I have also become a RLSS Trainer Assessor and Mentor. I can now deliver a wide range of professional qualifications and support new trainers to achieve their full trainer assessor status. York Sport is a close knit team and not many companies have the opportunity to access senior management and put their ideas forward. The opportunity to be part of Roses 2023 has been a particular highlight for me. It showed the great sporting facilities we have at the University and how the team can pull together to give the best experience to students and the public.

Marzena, Duty Manager

I have been with the company for over 8 years and have thoroughly enjoyed working for the York Sport section within YCL. I started as a Receptionist and gained my Lifeguard qualification during that time which expanded my knowledge about the leisure industry. I then took an opportunity to join the admin team as a Sports Administrator that allowed me to gain vast experience in different parts of the business. I was collaborating with different teams and learning more about how the business is run which developed my interest in the operations side. I have progressed now to the role of Duty Manager and I wouldn't change anything at all. I have been given a lot of support and opportunities to grow during my time here and have been shown appreciation for my role. I would strongly recommend working for York Sport and YCL to anyone looking for a job.