Work The Story of Tracy Beaker

# I can make my world come true

# All my dreams will see me through

# It doesn't matter what may come my way

# Believe me now, I will win some day... #

But you must see this won't do!

Poor marks, poor classwork and as for attendance...

I do try, Elaine. All that sitting around is just so boring.

Education isn't just about sitting around in the classroom.

It's about getting good qualifications and a good job.

-Then sitting around in an office?

-Yes! No, I mean...

Look, there's a special work placement project coming up

and it's a chance for you to show what you can do.

I've sorted out some placements for you and I think you'll be pleased.

Amber, you'll work in a florist's

and Bouncer, you'll go to the tax office.

As if anyone would want to work for anyone else!

I plan to be an entrepreneur.

-Entra what?

-A crook!

-So you'll be a millionaire by the age of 25?

I won't leave it that long. I'll do something to get rich.

-When you find it, put in a word for me.

-What about your fashion course?

My Saturday job don't pay much.

I'd hate to work in a shop. Like being a slave!

-I'll work with dolphins or be a bus driver!

-I'll be an air hostess.

That's just a waitress with wings on! I'll have a fantastic career.

-What's up?

-It's Elaine. She's making me get a job.

No way! Is that legal?

You're only 13. You shouldn't have to earn your own living.

I know they're underfunded, but even so. She's mad, that Elaine.

It's work experience. She wants me to go to a tax office.

Why don't you get a job, then she can't make you do work experience?

Like what?

-Distribution and delivery executive in the information industry.

-Huh?

Thanks for letting me share your office, Jenny.

KNOCK AT DOOR

-Come in.

-Could I have a word, please, Elaine...? In private.

-What's up?

-I can't work in a florist's.

-Why not?

-Um...

-Do you have a pollen allergy?

That's exactly what I have! Just the thought of all those flowers...

-I'll find you something else.

-Thanks, Elaine.

Thanks again, Jenny. I'm really grateful.

I know it hasn't been easy for you.

-KNOCK AT DOOR

-Can I have a word, Elaine?

No, you can't. I'll stick my fingers in my ears!

-I just wanted to tell Elaine that I got a job.

-What job?

Distribution and delivery executive in the information industry.

He's got a paper round.

A paper boy? You can't get up in the morning!

-There's money involved.

-How much?

-Elaine! At last! There you are. I need a job.

-Whatever for?

-For money.

-Tracy, you're too young.

-How come Bouncer gets...?

-He's older than you.

-That's not fair!

It's the law and it applies to everyone, even Tracy Beaker.

How can I earn money if I can't work...? What are you grinning at?

A squirt like you getting a job? What will you be? A garden gnome?

-You'll see! I'll get a job.

-I bet you don't.

-How much?

-Slave for a day.

-You're on.

No, I can't pay you to help me.

Why are you in such a rush to enter the world of work? It's no picnic.

Pay cheque every week, no-one telling you what to do.

-It must be hell(!)

-You have to get up early every morning,

iron your shirt, find matching socks.

-You don't do any of that!

-Would you like an assistant gardener?

-Next spring, I'll need all the help I can get.

-I can't wait that long.

Amber, I've just spoken to a friend who's got a friend...

To cut a long story short, your work placement's sorted.

It'll be in a hairdresser's. You'll make cups of tea, sweep the floor.

-They might let you shampoo the customers' hair!

-Hmm!

See you.

-KNOCK AT DOOR Come in.

-Jenny!

-I was just wondering. Do you need any help?

-I'm fine, thanks.

You sure? You always complain about being behind on the paperwork.

-It's not the kind of thing you can help me with, but thanks.

-Filing!

-That always needs done.

-Have you broken something?

-No. I just want to help... and earn some money.

-Right, out!

OK, OK, I'm going!

But if you do think of anything, my rates are very reasonable.

WHISTLING >

SHE PRETENDS TO SOB

Amber? What's up?

Hey, it can't be that bad.

It's the hairdresser's!

The hairdresser's?

My mum used to take me every week.

It was our special thing and I miss her so much!

Ssh, it's all right. I'll have a word with Elaine.

-Elaine!

-What now?

-About this job...

-The law hasn't changed in an hour.

You still can't get a job.

I know, but there's nothing to stop us coming to a private agreement.

-Maybe I can help with your trickier clients.

-Elaine, a word?

-Yes, absolutely.

-But what about my job...?

Face it, you've no chance of getting a job. Get ready to slave!

Just watch me! I'm gonna get tons of money!

She really is very upset.

I had no idea. I'll cancel the hairdresser's first thing tomorrow.

I think it'll be best. LAUGHS

She'd better accept her next placement.

ALARM RINGS

Bouncer...

Get some sleep, Bouncer!

ALARM RINGS

ALARMS RING

-Get up!

-Huh?

Come on!

-ALARM RINGS

-Oh, bog off!

Amber, you're sorted. You'll work at Outpatients

-in the General Hospital.

-I faint at the first sight of blood!

OK, forget the hospital. Adele will take you to work with her.

-What?

-She's fixed it all up with her supervisor.

-They've kindly said you can go in tomorrow.

-With a clothes shop...

No more arguments. It's either that or the one remaining placement.

-Where's that one?

-On a pig farm.

Bouncer!

-Tracy, you frightened me to death!

-£3.50, Bouncer, as we agreed.

Oh... Yeah.

Thanks. A pleasure doing business with you. Where are you going?

Back to the shop to hand in my notice. I can't afford this job.

Before you go, sign this.

That is so you. It looks great. Amber here has one just like it.

Don't you, Amber? Oink, oink!

Yeah. Yeah, I do.

What do you think?

What's the matter with you? Make yourself useful!

Do some pricing and behave yourself!

-Amber! Are you trying to get me fired?

-I'm bored!

-What do you think?

-I think you're a little squirt who lost a bet

-and has nothing better to do than come here and annoy me!

-Oh, yeah?

"I, Bouncer Plakova, confirm that I have employed Tracy Beaker

-"as a waker-upper."

-Keep going.

-"And paid for her professional services."

-It looks like I won that little bet.

-Where's the money?

Right here in my pocket.

Is that all? That won't pay for a hair band thing they sell here!

Has this top taken your fancy? My assistant will reserve it for you.

-Is your assistant getting paid?

-Over my dead body!

I'm not sure about the colour.

Go and get me one in lemon, lilac and sugar pink, will you, slave?

If you work really hard, I might let you borrow this.

Subtitles by Subtext for BBC Broadcast 2003