Episode 6 Invasion of the Job Snatchers

Christchurch.

A small town on the south coast of England

where a third of the population is over 60.

Seven weeks ago, the town opened its gates to an invasion

of desperate young job seekers

to take part in a unique social experiment.

Youth unemployment across the UK is at an all-time high.

I've been homeless, I've slept on the streets.

I'd clean toilets, I'd look after old people, I'd do anything.

It is really tough looking for work,

especially when you're not hearing anything back from anyone.

So senior employers offered eight weeks' work experience

and for those that impress, there's the chance of a permanent job.

In exchange, the town has received an injection of new blood.

It's lovely to meet you.

I'm Adam, yep. I'm on the boat, then, yeah?

13 young people were selected to live together.

And work across nine local businesses,

from a fish store...

I nearly broke a nail as well.

..to the local butchers.

My little mate, as you can see,

there are the hairs on his chinny chin-chin.

The bosses reviewed the trainees' work at weekly appraisals.

That's very good. Absolutely.

And four didn't make the grade.

Can't take this shit.

I'm afraid we're going to have to let you go.

-Shove your job up your

-BLEEP

-arse.

For the remaining nine, it's the last week of their work experience.

Eight weeks? Flies by when you're having fun, doesn't it?

If they can make it through the next few days,

that permanent job and a brand-new life could be theirs,

but there are no guarantees.

I really, really, want it, man.

It's an absolute life-changing situation.

I want the job. I want to move down here.

It's what I've been looking for, for 28 years.

If you really want this job then you've got to prove

that you want it.

Any tea towels back?

It's Sunday in Christchurch.

The trainees are preparing for the final week of their work placements.

I want the job. I don't want to go back Warrington and go join

that dole queue. The last thing I want, mate. The last thing I need.

In five days' time, they'll find out

if they're going to be offered a paid job and a bright new future.

If the fish store offered me a job, I'd work there. I love it there.

They will, in turn, have to decide if they want to accept the offer,

move here permanently and start a new life.

I would like to move down, because, you know,

there's far more opportunities down here than there are,

-like, in Liverpool.

-Yeah, exactly.

-SHE BURPS

-Oh, excuse me.

LAUGHTER

One trainee who's still not sure where his future lies

is 19-year-old Benny from Norfolk,

so he's gone back home to see his mum.

Hey, babe!

-Look at you! Look at you! I love your jacket.

-I like your jumper.

Oh, no! Ooh! Look at you!

Benny had been unemployed for over a year

when he arrived seven weeks ago.

Being unemployed, it has completely affected me.

I find it almost quite depressing.

I ain't seen no hot black men. I ain't seen anyone hot at all.

You'll either really, really love me and find me endearing

and nice to be around...

Hi, Christian, lovely to meet you.

..or you just... you can't tolerate me.

If he was gay, I so would.

He began work at Peeks party store...

Party store? Oh, my God, it's massive!

..a large family-run business selling fancy dress

and party products from its own shop and mail order division.

Love you, bitch, bye.

He shocked them with his potty mouth.

You have to watch how much you swear on the shop floor.

Sorry, bitch...

His mentor, John Peek, was not impressed...

I can't allow him to disrupt the business.

-They're

-BLEEP

-lovely.

..and almost gave him the sack.

-You can't use that language.

-Sorry.

-It's not funny.

-No, it's not funny.

Bye.

But he turned it around.

Helping people and doing something right. Accomplishment!

And won everyone over.

-A lot of good reports.

-Have you had any negatives at all?

-No.

-Ah, yes!

-All good.

He loved working in the party store...

-HIGH PITCHED VOICE:

-Emily...

..but really struggled with his focus in telesales.

HE BURPS

Pardon me.

Bad habits returned.

F for fanny.

His office dress sense started to distract.

Oh, I say!

I mean, those...those trousers,

they're probably showing more than what you intended.

I don't really dress to impress, I dress to express.

And his work suffered.

The success rate of you completing an order stands at 22%.

I thought I was doing all right.

It's been a roller-coaster ride of emotion for Benny.

Oh, I really miss my mum.

And it's left him torn about whether Christchurch is for him.

I don't even know what is best for me.

What happens when I go off the rails and I need my mum?

She's not down the road from me.

-I don't know what I want to do, I'm just really

-BLEEP.

-Oh!

Benny's not sure if he'll be offered a permanent position at Peeks

as his time there has been so up and down.

Give me a hug, Tommy, come on.

Man up.

-How tall is he?!

-He's taller than you.

If he does, he's worried about how much he'll miss home,

so he's back with his family to find out what they think he should do.

To me, he seems to be shining since he's been away.

-And I just think it's...

-Oh, thanks, Nan.

-Yeah, I do.

If I'm brutally honest, it's too far away from me.

I just don't think I would cope

with him being a five-hour drive from me.

I disagree. I think he should go for it.

It is a long drive, Mum.

Yeah, but it's only five hours. It's not like it's abroad.

But when he hits rock bottom, who is it he needs?

-Mum.

-Yeah.

Yeah, so if I can't get to him in five minutes

and he's having an emotional meltdown,

which very often he does, I need to be there.

You can always phone, can't you?

-Talk on the phone.

-It's not the same, Nanny.

I don't like phones, then I miss people more, and that's why...

And I know him as well.

When he needs me, there will be no phone call.

It'll be...silence and a text message that's just trying to

give me an inclination that there's something not right.

-She knows me so well.

-I do.

You take care. Love you loads.

I will, I'll be thinking of ya. Love ya. Love ya.

-Bye.

-I love you.

-Love ya.

-Take care.

-And you.

If I'm honest, as a mother, I just don't think I would cope

with him being a five-hour drive from me.

# Cos they say home is where your heart is set in stone

# Is where you go when you're alone... #

I was quite shocked at the fact that my nan said that

she wouldn't mind me living down here,

but then also, my mum was completely opposite,

but overall, it's my decision.

I'm a family-orientated guy, but I'm also very independent as well,

so kind of like it's, oh... It's like schizophrenia.

# As long as we're together Does it matter where we go?

# Home, home... #

Monday morning, and for the trainees, it's the start of

one of the biggest weeks of their lives.

Rachel is flagging.

I just want to go to bed.

But the rest head into work, eager to shine in their last few days

and land a permanent job.

Well, Adam, there we go. Josephine 1 out of the water.

Looks slightly bigger when it comes out the water.

So basically, if you can make that boat look like that one.

Can you do that?

Well, I've already made that one look like that one,

so surely I can make that one look like that one easy.

Today, 19-year-old Adam from inner-city Nottingham is working

in the boat yard, carrying out essential repairs

on ferry Josephine.

Three coats of primer, two top coats, end of story. Job done.

-Do you have a privilege card, sir?

-I have somewhere, yes.

At the garden centre cafe,

19-year-old James is having his first training session on the till.

-That's 4.44.

-It's actually 4.40.

4.40. I'll get there eventually.

While over at the wool shop, Renee is an old hand.

-They're very pretty, aren't they?

-They are, yes.

There you go. You take care and have a good day.

And Ellie is manning the phones at the solicitors.

PHONE RINGS

Williams and Thompson, good morning.

In the garden centre, Sean's supervisor, Duncan, is setting him

his work for the week.

-Morning, how are you?

-Morning, I'm good, yourself?

Um, I've got a little project I'd like you to work on for me.

Okey-doke.

Oh, my God!

25-year-old single parent Sean was a late arrival,

after some of the other trainees were sacked.

He struggled to find work whilst bringing up his daughter.

-'Hi, Dad.'

-Hiya, babe, you all right?

-'Yeah, and you?'

-Yeah, I'm good.

My little girl, Katie, she's eight years old.

I'm doing this for her, so she can have a better future.

-I love you.

-'Love you, miss you.'

Miss you too, babe. Bye-bye.

He was given a job at the Dorset Smoke House,

but couldn't cope with the hard physical work.

I did throw up a little bit,

but that's probably just from exhaustion.

We've got to get this moving.

And was let go.

There's no way we can continue the relationship here.

But he was given a second chance at the garden centre

by company boss Martin Stewart.

-How are you?

-I'm good. I'm Sean.

With his character, I think he'll fit in really well.

He's coped well with the physical demands.

Physically, yeah, I feel that I could survive here, whereas after

about a week of that smoke room, I thought I would've been dead.

And impressed his garden shop boss, Duncan.

I don't think you need to be too worried about the speed

of doing things. It's far better to do the job properly than quickly.

You've picked it up straightaway,

so you should be proud of yourself for that.

Obviously, you're familiar with this section now, the aggregate area.

Yeah.

So, now, Sean has to pull out all the stops to ensure

he lands that permanent job.

I want you to come out here,

give some thought as to how you can change this.

-The world's your oyster on it, and I want you to wow me.

-OK.

OK? Treat this like your own little shop. You own this.

You take ownership.

My land.

In outdoor plants, Rachel's mentor, Julie, isn't happy.

It's already five past nine,

so the first thing I want to know is why isn't she here yet.

I am frustrated and annoyed,

and the excuse of tiredness is the thing that makes me most annoyed.

I'm sleepy this morning, cos Renee taught me how to knit last night

and I was up until, like, two o'clock, knitting.

So, my own fault, really, but it was fun.

Morning, Julie.

Erm, do you want to have a seat in my office?

Okey-dokey.

Now is the time to excel. Instead, she's slipped back into old habits.

Rachel, you're going to get fired.

Can you just get out, please?

Hello!

LAUGHTER

19-year-old Rachel from Merseyside has rarely struggled to get a job.

Most of the time when I get an interview, I get the job.

I don't know whether that's just because everyone loves me...

Oh, my God, those shoes stink.

..but in terms of actually trying to hold down a job,

I haven't been lucky at all.

She had a good start at Stewarts Garden Centre.

Oh, where do you live?

And impressed her mentor, Julie.

-We're really pleased with your work.

-Good.

All the team get on with you great and that's been lovely.

But while she can do the job well,

it's not all been plain sailing for Rachel.

It keeps hitting me, like, how much my head hurts.

Her timekeeping and attendance have been poor

ever since she arrived in Christchurch.

I've got a banging headache and aching limbs.

I'll do a Saturday or a Sunday this weekend, if you want?

And even when she agreed to work overtime...

I offered to do it, it's not compulsory.

..she failed to show again.

Destroyed again.

Yeah. I'm sorry that I've let you down again.

And if it wasn't illness, there'd be other excuses.

Yeah, it's still a tiny bit damp.

This morning I had a phone call to say her shirt wasn't dry yet.

Yeah, I'm just ringing to let her know that I'm going to be late.

It is a bit frustrating. I work on the basis that we're all adults.

Oh, wow, that cup of tea has done nothing.

You know when you need to be here.

Rachel?

No! I've overslept again.

She's given me chance after chance, and...

Oh, I just feel like I'm letting her down and I hate it.

-You were late in this morning.

-I was.

I have to say that I am...

really disappointed.

If you really want this job

then you've got to prove that you want it,

because you've been absent twice and you've been late six times

including today.

Bloody hell, I didn't realise it was that much. Jesus.

You need to make sure that your attitude towards a job

does not wipe out all the good and the positive that you can have...

-Yeah.

-..that you can bring to a job.

-Yeah.

Cos that's what's happening.

-You've got to prove to me that this is what you really want.

-Yeah.

And make the effort, OK? So, come on out to the greenhouse.

Thank you.

This week I, want you to look after everything that's in here,

and you know where we are with things.

-Your first job is to get that wall tidied up.

-Okey-dokey.

Now, the other thing to remember is that you have this last chance

to make an impression and prove what you can do.

-All right?

-Okey-dokey.

-OK, all right, I'll see you later.

-That sounds good.

No, Julie's not happy at all.

She's given me so many chances and I just...

-I keep

-BLEEP

-it up, and I'm sick of it, I always do this, and...

I dunno what's up with me, I dunno why I keep doing it.

I hope you know I've give up EastEnders to come

and help you - you should feel privileged.

Since they arrived in Christchurch, the trainees have been living

together harmoniously in a shared house...

You know what? I'm not even going to bother,

cos all I can see here is him pulling faces.

..provided for them for the duration of their work placements.

Cheers, bitch.

But should they land a permanent job, they'll have to think

about where they're going to live.

Tastes like what? Feet? I've never tried feet.

A fact not lost on Carl.

I've got a little plan, actually. There's supposed to be

a little caravan site down the road, £70 a week all in.

You know, it's not for ever, like, do you know what I mean?

But it'll do...it'll fit the bill. It'll fit the bill, I think.

28-year-old Carl from Warrington has got a criminal record.

Charming.

And has lived on the streets.

When I was 19, I got a job in a bank and I helped myself to £1,000.

With the prospects of him securing any job remote...

I really need to make a go of this.

..he embraced the opportunity given to him by mentor Robin,

at Lamb's Butchers.

I honestly feel that if you wanted to do something like this

that you're made for it.

But he undid all his good work when he slept in after

a heavy night's drinking at the end of the first week...

'Hello, Robin, I'm really, really sorry.'

I've literally just woken up about ten minutes ago.

..and turned up five hours late.

You've got to show responsibility.

His mentor put it behind them.

Fair enough, we'll forget about it this time, but don't let it happen again.

They even started to spend time together outside work.

There we go, how about that? Was that a hole-in-one, Carl?

And Carl opened up about his troubled past.

I get emotional when I talk about it, because

it was somewhere I never wanted to be, and since I've been down here,

it's like, I don't know, it's like a new world, innit, really?

And it's all down to you, really, Robin, for giving me this chance, innit?

And you as well and, I mean, I can't fault you.

But when Robin went on holiday...

I'm missing Robin a little bit,

er, missing his, like, calming influence in the shop.

You should be able to find that. Turn it round this way.

..he lost his enthusiasm for the job.

How to use a...saw.

And became flustered under pressure.

You've got to be patient.

Please just leave me alone... shit like that.

The novelty's definitely wearing off, you know.

Reunited with his mentor...

A-ha, he's here, the man himself.

..he's fallen back in love with his job.

I'm actually good at something.

And with Christchurch.

You make that look very easy.

In the past few weeks, I've realised what a gorgeous place we live in.

Sit on me knee, go on.

And the locals have fallen in love with him too.

-He's caught everyone's eye here.

-He's very tall.

-Very handsome.

-And I can see that he's a very considerate young man.

Sex!

THEY LAUGH

Right, last week, and I want to be impressed, I want to see all what

you've learnt over the time you've been here and I want to see it

all come out, without any prompting, I just want you to get on with it.

I'll tell you what I need to do,

there's one new thing I'm going to show you, is how to do this.

Now, this is a butcher's knot.

Like that, OK? Cross your finger.

-Yeah.

-Under, cross, through the loop,

pull, and then you tie it off like that.

-Do you want to have a go at that?

-Yeah, go on.

Tying this knot is a crucial skill that Carl has to master

if he's to succeed as a butcher.

No, no, no, no, no.

I actually can't...

You're going, no... Just watch me, look, and then over your thumb.

That may as well be a magic trick to me, that, Robin.

Pain doesn't work for it, Robin, I'm sorry.

I can't do shoelaces and stuff like that, I just...

-Go on.

-Let's have another go.

Look, I'll show you again.

Robin, let us try, go on, give us

a bit of elbow space there, Robin, I can't think straight, wait there.

Don't be so sensitive, Carl, you don't have to be sensitive,

get you to practise, you can practise.

I can do it on a piece of wood, can't I?

Yeah, here you are, you can do it on that, can't you?

-Yeah.

-Just practise on that.

Laughing, yeah, I'll do that for a minute.

Not the, er, dream start to the week that I expected, that I planned for.

Anyway, I'm sure I can redeem myself, touch wood.

At the boat yard, Adam has been left alone by captain Paul

to paint their biggest ferry, the Josephine.

Right, let's get painting, boy.

Back at home in Nottingham, Adam fell in with the wrong crowd

and has always struggled with authority...

HE BURPS Pardon me.

..and so didn't get off to a great start with his boss, Paul.

What we doing? We on the boat, then, yeah?

-Did you gather that?

-No, I didn't.

I thought we was working actually in a port.

His first impression wasn't good.

I'm having a little bit of trouble understanding you, believe it or not.

He made matters worse by turning up late.

You're on a yellow card...

-For being, like, five, ten minutes late?

-Absolutely bloody right.

Coming to this place and work for him, the guy's an idiot.

But through hard work and good driving skills...

Adam's coming on leaps and bounds. His attitude's definitely better.

..he won his mentor over.

I don't think I could do any better myself.

-High-five.

-Well done, well done, Adam.

And as their relationship strengthened, Adam revealed

more about his previous life.

I've had quite a few mates either killed or died on meth.

You've been close to drama yourself, have you?

I've been... Yeah, I've been close to drama,

I've been stabbed, I've had a couple of other things happen to me.

I should be either six foot under or in prison by now.

Where he's come from, there must be some kind of pecking order,

almost the alpha male syndrome, so he's moderated his ways.

Credit to Adam.

-Hello.

-Amber?

-Yeah.

-So, we go out on a date, me and you?

SHE LAUGHS

As Adam's bravado fell, he showed his romantic side

with fellow trainee Amber.

Less of it, yeah?

And he's fallen for Christchurch too.

I want a new life here, I want to come down here and start

a family off, have some babies and start a brand-new Adam off, innit.

But with the job on the ferry only being seasonal...

We can't employ people all year round.

..Paul offered Adam a possible lifeline which would allow him

to stay on in Christchurch.

We do have a lot of contacts in this area,

so all we can do is set up meetings, and then it's up to you.

If that is possible, that would be absolutely...

that would absolutely be amazing, actually.

Let's get this all done for him and we make him happy.

With his mentor, Paul, promising to introduce him

to some local employers, Adam is keen to repay his kindness.

Paul has done a lot for me while I've been down here,

he's changed my ways, man, he's changed how I think about stuff

and everything, he's done a good job with me, to be honest.

I'm a bit sad to know it's coming to the end...

end of my work experience, I've enjoyed every single moment,

you know what, of being down here, innit?

I've met some amazing people to work with, you know, I've met an amazing

girl down here, so I just like every little thing about her, innit, like.

I'm hoping we'll settle down together,

I'm not going to lie, innit.

It's not the proper push, but it'll do.

With the trainees due to be moving out of their

shared house in less than a week,

they've decided to make the most of the time they have left together.

We are all going to a bar for some drinks.

The dysfunctional family.

At the end of the evening, and after a few drinks,

the previously coy Adam tells Amber how he feels.

I came here for sex.

I thought, yeah, let's get a couple of shags down you.

-I think I fell in love, proper love.

-That's nice, man.

-Stop crying, baby.

Come here, you pair of poofs, come here.

Come on.

HE GROANS

So tired! I haven't been this tired in for ever.

The next day, Tuesday, and even after their heavy night,

all the trainees head out to work.

-What do you think?

-It's very nice.

That is £16.71 altogether.

After failing to make the grade in the telesales department,

Benny has been moved back to his favourite part of the business, the party shop.

I love being in the party bit, because I feel I work best here

and I think I give most here, whereas in sales,

I don't think I was giving what I have to offer.

See you later, my love. Hiya!

It's Halloween later this week, a crucial time at Peeks.

So, is this all for Halloween, I take it?

No, I'm going as the devil at Christmas!

As the only permanent job currently available is in the telesales department...

That is £16.71 altogether.

..Benny has to pull it out of the bag

if he's going to convince Peeks to create a job for him

in his beloved party store.

-Halloween parties all week.

-Is it? Why've I not been invited to anything?

I'm really upset!

So, to try and inspire him, mentor John Peek has decided to show Benny

something that's very close to his heart.

OK, this is his office.

It's a little time since I've been here

but it's got all his bits and pieces.

John's father, Charles, who founded Peeks in 1946,

died just a year ago.

That is a picture of Dad when he was in the RAF.

That is a picture of my wedding. It's a bit strange.

-VOICE BREAKING:

-And for me, it's a bit emotional.

And we miss him.

Dad used to have a boat

and he used to teach the boys how to drive their boats.

I think family is so important.

-Think a lot of people forget that.

-It is important.

It's very powerful walking in here, you can just feel something.

I feel really privileged that you've showed me in here.

It's a pleasure. So, that's a special place for me too.

Seeing all his stuff there was emotional to me

and I was surprised, actually, how emotional Benny was,

when he saw that, because he did take it to heart.

Visiting the office has had a profound effect

and not just on Mr John.

Benny, who was worried about missing his own family

if he moved here permanently, has made a decision.

It has opened my eyes today.

I saw Mr John's reaction when he walked into his dad's office.

I think it was really clear to me in that moment, I just kind of knew.

I love it down here, I really do, it's a lovely place.

And if I could move up here, I would do it in a heartbeat.

HE HUMS

Another trainee who is sure his future lies in Christchurch is Carl.

He's about to visit a friend he made on a trip to the New Forest

last week, with the Widows' Club.

Because I know so much about you and I know you are above board,

and everything, yes, you can come round my home.

I'm just going to go in my work clothes,

because I don't how dirty I'm going to get, like.

But, yeah, I've had my hair cut for her.

I don't want to turn up like a scruff, now, do I?

-Hello!

-Hello!

-Are you all right, love?

-Ah, thank you for coming.

-I didn't know if you would be here or not.

-It's a bit nippy, isn't it?

Carl is here to catch up with 81-year-old Betty...

-A passion wagon.

-Yes, do you like that? Yes, darling, come on in.

..and check out her caravan, as he's thinking of living in one

if he gets the job at the butchers.

You did tell me, didn't you, that you were thinking of renting one?

I am, yeah.

-Anyway, I'll put the kettle on.

-Smashing, tea, just no sugar. Strong.

-OK, I'll go and put the kettle on, shall I?

-Thank you very much.

OK, darling, you sit there. Lovely seeing you, darling.

Betty, is this yourself when you was younger?

Actually, that's when Frank and I fell in love.

Oh, is it? Good old Frank.

Have you seen him here, white shirt, braces, look at that hair.

-He was six foot two. What are you, Carl?

-I'm 6'2".

-Are you courting?

-No, I'm single and ready to mingle, me.

Looking for a nice girl round here.

And you'll be bringing her out to meet me, won't you?

Yeah, definitely, Betty.

And before you know it, you'll be married with little children.

I can't say no, can I, obviously.

Would you like a piece of cake now?

We'll have a piece of cake, shall we, Betty?

-It's lovely to eat with someone as well.

-Yeah, I always say that.

Usually I've got to eat on my own, you know?

-Ooh, I bet you're going to like this.

-Mmm.

-Let me see.

-Go on, Betty, sing me a little song.

-OK.

# We are the new horizon ladies

# We are going to rise above it all

# For us widow ladies now and for ever... #

What are we going to do?

-BOTH:

-# We will rise We will rise, we will rise

# Once more. #

-Thank you!

-That was brilliant, Betty.

Fantastic, that, Betty.

See you later, Adam.

It's Wednesday. Today is the trainees' last full day

to sparkle in front of their mentors and land that job.

I feel like the pressure is definitely on.

I need to show what I'm made of now.

So, yeah, its judgment day really, isn't it?

It's Halloween, one of the busiest days of the year at Peeks,

so Benny is dressed to impress.

Five minutes till we open.

Now he's decided he wants to stay in Christchurch,

he needs to prove he can perform under pressure...

Perfect for you, Jen, you've got a really nice bust.

..if he's to convince his bosses

to create a job for him in the party shop.

He needs to be on top form.

He's brilliant with customers anyway, so just a lot of banter,

a lot of fun, just making sure he's helping everyone.

Mentor John Peek can't observe Benny all the time,

so in addition to shop manager Roanne,

his son, Nick - who runs the company day-to-day -

is keeping a keen eye on him as well.

Today, it will be a good test for Benny.

£5 and a penny change, thank you. Do you want a bag?

It can get seriously busy, the queues can go all the way back

to the back of the store when we really are flying.

Has anyone got loads of pound coins in their till? Because I need some.

So, it's a real important one for us.

That's £10.97, please. Thank you.

His skills really come out when he's in front of...

when he's in front of the public, he almost needs a stage.

Put it around your pictures and stuff, honestly, it really does work.

I just hope that he continues the way he's working,

because he's doing a lot better than he was at the beginning.

Oh, poppet! Bet he loves them.

Back at the house, Adam's slipping into his suit.

As work on the ferry is only seasonal and Adam wants to stay on

in Christchurch, mentor Paul has organised a job interview for him

at Beagle Technologies, a local company

who make parts for boats and planes.

I'm going to go round this morning and get him

really revved up to this. He's got to go in positive with a good attitude.

I hope I can give Adam some good interview techniques.

-Good morning, Adam.

-Morning.

-How are you feeling?

-Bit nervous, but...

-Nervous, good. Feeling nervous is OK.

If Adam gets the job,

his apprenticeship will start immediately.

-Oh, take a seat, Paul.

-Thank you very much.

No job and he'll have to return to Nottingham until next summer,

when he can rejoin Paul on the ferry.

How can I build myself up in there?

I think you've got to speak very clearly and listen

to his question carefully and just try to answer that question.

Take a couple of seconds to think about it.

Just take this little pause to think, "Where am I going with this?"

So, he's, um, he's going to say something like...

"OK, why do you want to work for us?"

I want to work for Beagle because it's a growing company,

I want to be able to bring something

into the company, I want to bring myself into it.

I've got good punctuality, I'm great at working.

You can turn your hand to anything, I mean,

that's been proved time and time again.

It's up to you now to go in there all guns blazing.

Be positive, listen to what he says

and I think you'll come out as a shining star. I hope so.

Yeah, hopefully.

Let's go.

-This is it.

-This is it.

This is as far as I can take you, Adam, this is the door.

-Good luck, mate.

-Thank you very much.

-And, er...

-I'll give you a call after and let you know.

-Brilliant, I've got to dash off, speak to you later.

-See you later.

The interview takes place behind closed doors.

Half an hour later, Adam's out.

I basically told him that I'm a hard worker,

I only ever have to be told once, I make sure I get my job complete

and I make sure I get into every little bit of detail.

To be honest, I walked out, and I've actually walked out

in a really happy mood, I'm quite impressed with what I did.

Adam will find out if he's got the job at the end of the week.

That one's really, like, sad.

At Stewarts Garden Centre, the three trainees are working hard

on their last full day on the job.

-A hot sweet as well?

-Yes, please.

In the garden shop, Sean's been busy flexing his green fingers.

I had a vision of how I wanted it to be,

and it's coming together nicely.

It weighs a ton.

In the greenhouse, Rachel is working on the bulb and flower displays.

At least these don't make me itch.

It's going OK so far, you know, I've still got

bits and bobs that I need to do.

She's still worried that she's dented her chances with

mentor Julie after arriving late on Monday.

I'm glad that she spoke to me about it, erm,

because I do...I did need a kick up the arse, and I've had that now.

I need to have another wander.

I've just got to keep at it and make sure that

I'm actually cracking on with stuff and doing the best that I can do.

I need to make sure as well that everything's got

a reduced sticker on it. Like, that hasn't.

At the butchers, Carl has spent the week trying to master

a butcher's knot.

-Right.

-Right.

Like that...like that... through there.

That's it, and then through the loop where you got on your thumb.

Where your thumb is. That's it.

That's it, you've done it.

THEY LAUGH

I've got a lot to learn, but I know what I know

and I know what I don't, do you know what I mean?

So, fingers crossed, with Robin's tuition, a bit of time,

a bit of patience, where there's a will,

there's always a way, ain't there?

Hiya, can I help?

£12, please.

-LAUGHTER

-Till's broken.

It's been quite chocka, not really had time to breathe,

but no, it's been really good.

Can I help?

He's been doing really well, he's really taken it in his stride.

-£2 and 3p change. Do you want a bag?

-Yes, please.

He's come a long way from the first week that he was here,

so I'm really pleased with him, I'm really proud of him, actually.

Do you want to quickly get it out

-and have a look at it?

-I ain't got time, really, cheers.

-Nice one.

-Bye. I hate when people have to bring things back.

I'd rather get them out and have a look.

I think that I've done the best that I can do,

and if it's not good enough, I'm not good enough for here, so...

But I think I've done the best, so I think I've nailed it.

Carl has finished his last full working day,

and on his way home, he takes a detour to the beach.

When I first come here, you know, I was disappointed

I was going to be a butcher, but...oh, mate, look at it.

This is what you call a deal-breaker, innit, really?

Absolute... I can't believe it, I'm so in love with this place.

It's what I've been looking for for 28 years,

some kind of solace, some kind of...

It's definitely stole me heart anyway, I know that much.

Shame I can't swim, innit?

ALARM BUZZES

Snooze time.

Today, the work placements are finally over, and the trainees

are going to learn if they've done enough

to secure a permanent position

and a life-changing opportunity in Christchurch...

Today's like D-day, decision day, and I'd like to stay here.

..or if they'll be sent home jobless tonight.

It would be nice to be asked to stay a bit longer.

It's all snowballed, ain't it, from eight weeks ago, sat on that bed,

looking at the red apron and reading Robin Lamb's letter?

A butcher?

Oh, that's exciting. It's something that I've...

I don't know, I've never thought about being a butcher in my life.

'But when I read that, basically, I was thinking,'

"A butchers? Six days a week?"

-6.30 start, I was cursing, I was cursing the

-BLEEP

-place.

A little bit nervous about finding out

whether I actually get offered a job or not today.

I don't want to leave!

Slightly confident, because I've done every job they've asked me to do

and I haven't bollocksed it up yet.

I'm like, "I don't want to leave,

"I don't want to leave Peeks, I don't want to leave here."

-I don't want to leave anyone.

-I don't either, it's just...

Before he moved here, Carl had run out of luck

and all hope of finding a job.

After two months of 6.30 starts and a crash course in butchery,

it's time to see whether his luck is about to change.

-Right, we've come to the end of it now, Carl.

-Yeah.

Eight weeks, flies by when you're having fun, doesn't it?

-Does, don't it?

-Well, overall, I'm very, very pleased with you,

and I'd like to, er, offer you a three-month contract.

-Give over, Robin!

-As an apprentice.

-Really?

-Yeah.

-Robin, mate...

-OK?

Fantastic, you don't know what that means, actually.

-Good.

-It means a lot, mate.

OK, you're welcome, and take full advantage of it.

I will do, I will. Thanks very much.

'He's been an asset to the shop, and that is what I was looking for,'

I want something that I can... can step back meself and know

that I've got staff there that can do the job that I want them to do.

-Oh, congratulations, mate.

-Thank you very much, Mark.

-Welcome aboard.

-Cheers, mate.

Crazy to think, innit, eight weeks ago

I was sat twiddling my thumbs, nothing to do,

I was unemployed with nothing, no respect,

and now I can say I'm a butcher.

Well, an apprentice butcher. Pretty cool trade to say, innit, really?

-Have a good day, see you later, guys.

-See you, mate.

Kettle's on, can't keep the lads waiting, so thanks very much.

At businesses across Christchurch, trainees are being told

if they've got the job.

What I'd like to ask you is whether you'd be prepared to stay on.

I would be happy to stay.

-Oh, that's really good news.

-Yeah.

I would like to offer you a job for Saturdays.

I definitely would welcome you here.

Oh, yes.

Oh, that's good. Oh, that... that's made me feel so good.

I would actually like to offer you a job.

-So, what would your answer be?

-It'd have to be a yes.

Ultimately, we'd like to offer you a job here.

Unfortunately, not right now, because it's the wrong time

of the season, but come March, when the season starts

kicking in, we would love you to come back.

-How would you feel about that?

-I'd love to come back

and work here, I love it here.

Because you like Christchurch?

-I do, and I love working here as well.

-Yeah, good.

Like girlfriend Amber, Adam's job on the ferry is seasonal.

Oh, what a nice boat.

That's a nice yacht. It's not a boat, it's a yacht.

But he's had an interview at a local engineering firm

and is putting the final touches to the ferry

while he waits to find out if he's landed a permanent job with them.

Four years, working with boats and aeroplanes, like, wow.

It's a life-changing situation, innit?

I'd be proper happy if I got it.

-All right there, mate.

-That's looking the right colour.

-I hope so.

-You finished?

-Let's go and have a look, then, come on.

-Let me show you what I done.

-Yeah.

-It looks nice, yeah?

-Yeah, good job, very good job,

I'm very impressed. Well done, Adam.

She's looking very smart, you must've worked pretty hard.

I just think back, you were a cocky little shit when you arrived

eight weeks ago, and I thought, "What are we going to do with you?"

We actually haven't done anything, you have worked round this yourself.

We had a bit of a hiccup, but you've decided

you've got to get a way forward

and, Adam, you're not going to believe this...

You've only gone and landed yourself a full-time job

with that boat engineering company.

With Beagle?!

Aah, you're being serious?!

What do you think of that?

I don't know what to say!

Oh, my days, I'm like...

I hope you haven't planned a holiday,

because you're starting next Monday.

HE GASPS

What?!

Do you know what Adam's got?

-What?

-He's got the A factor!

You know!

Smashed it, absolutely smashed it.

So, I'm proper impressed with myself, innit?

Like, I didn't think I would've done it, but I've done it.

I've got a new life, I've got a new career

and I've got a new home as well.

I'm in shock, man!

I did it, I absolutely did it.

Whoo!

In the garden centre shop, 24-year-old single parent Sean

is with his mentor.

Before they discuss his future,

Duncan wants to review his final week's work.

Where do you want to start? Where do you want to show me first?

-Statues?

-Well, I'll show you here first.

As you know, what me idea was,

was to sort of make displays that could give people themes

and ideas in their own garden, and sort of show off our products

in a fashion that you could have it, like, any way you want it.

I think you've done a great job. You should be proud.

I am. I am really happy with it, and I appreciate your comments.

-Thanks a lot.

-Well done, really impressed.

Sean has done well,

but has he done enough to secure himself a job in the garden shop

and a bright future for him and his daughter?

I've had a chat with Martin.

He has given me the green light...

-Yeah?

-..to offer you a position with Stewarts

-if I feel you deserve it.

-Yeah?

-I think you deserve it.

-Thank you!

And I would like to offer you a position with Stewarts.

I'd like to take it.

-Thank you very much indeed.

-Thanks a lot!

-Welcome aboard to Stewarts.

-Thank you. Thanks a lot.

I am genuinely excited to have a big new start, a new job,

and, you know, getting me life on track.

Yeah, I'm going to annoy you for a lot longer.

That's all right, we'll put up with that.

He's clever, isn't he?

Move! I need to work.

At Peeks party store, Benny is waiting to find out

where his future lies.

Hi, Jackie.

Would you like to come up and see Mr John now?

Yeah, that's fine, yeah.

After struggling during his time in telesales,

he's pinned his hopes on them creating a job for him

in the party store.

-..and last time I saw him, we were both a bit emotional.

-Yeah.

Right, Benny, we started initially

to come here for a telesales operator.

Your time in there wasn't the best time of your career here.

-You've had to go home and change...

-Mm-hm.

..and so I think the telesales position

is not something that we should even consider,

because I don't think it was you,

-I don't think you were happy in there.

-No.

And I don't think it suited you and your other talents

and abilities that you have.

Yeah.

So... And you do, you do have talents,

and they were shown very well in the party store.

You had time for customers, you were helpful to the customers,

customers got what they wanted. They went away very happy.

I was very pleased to see that.

I would...

like to actually see you continue in the party store.

-I thought you were absolutely superb in there.

-That's amazing.

I had meetings with Roanne and Nick

and, unfortunately, there isn't a position for you at the moment,

because we are fully staffed,

and that is a great disappointment to me personally.

I'm sure it is to you.

I think that if there is a position in the future,

-I'd like to be able to ring you and say...

-Definitely.

..we've got something. So, we'll stay in touch.

-Definitely, 100%.

-Good.

Thank you, Mr John, for everything you've done for me.

All the allowances, oh, God.

I did think it was really lovely

when Mr John told me that he was pushing for it and stuff,

and going out of his way to look for it,

but it just wasn't possible.

I'll miss it.

It taught me a lot about myself, and I just can't help thinking

of all the funny things that's happened!

So, it's good.

It's not goodbye, it's see you soon.

At Stewarts Garden Centre, 19-year-old Rachel from Merseyside

has struggled with her attendance over the last two months.

I'm still half-asleep.

Despite being late on Monday, she's worked hard all week

in an effort to impress mentor Julie.

I've only found one container that should come off.

And it looks tidy, it's swept,

you've got rid of the daffodils that we didn't need...

So, overall, pretty good, then.

-Good, I'm glad you're impressed.

-Cool, very good.

I am hoping I get offered a job,

because it means that the work that I've done here has paid off,

and, you know, it's not all been for nothing.

Yeah, it's...

..it's just a bit...

..bit stressful, really.

Rachel's a really nice girl,

but I have to sit with an employer's hat on

that has to view what is best for the business.

SHE SNIFFLES

It just feels like it's all become very real.

Oh...

You all right?

-Yeah, just...

-Yeah?

-Throwing a bit of a wobbler.

-Yeah?

Are you OK?

Yeah.

Come on.

-OK.

-Deep breaths, it's fine.

There's been lots to think about.

Lots to think about.

It's... It's been really hard, actually.

It's been really, really hard.

-I can't deny that there haven't been issues...

-Yeah.

-I... Yeah.

-..which you know about.

You know, I mean, I know everybody's late on occasion...

-I've been late, everyone's been late.

-Yeah.

But it's the repeated nature of it that's the problem.

Yeah, and it's...

it's something that I'm very aware does need improvement,

and I'm 100% willing to improve it,

you know, even if it means leaving the house at half seven.

Sorry.

It's all right, it's all right.

Tell me why you're upset.

Tell me why.

There's just so much pressure.

What, in your heart of hearts, is it that you want?

Come on, come on. It's all right.

Come on.

I'm not in the habit of doing... like, letting people down.

I don't like doing it.

The way I see it, if I was you,

I would feel as though I was taking a risk hiring you.

I would, and I totally understand,

but I'm trying so hard.

Can you give me five minutes? I need to go and think, OK?

Ohh!

And it is an unbelievably difficult decision,

and I needed five minutes just to think,

because at the end of the day, Rachel can do the job,

it would be a simple decision if she couldn't,

but she can, and that's why it's really, really hard.

I hate being unemployed. I hate it.

And I don't want to go back to that.

Hello.

-You all right?

-Yeah.

-OK.

Right, this is what I want to do.

I want to offer you a six-month contract, OK?

OK!

It would be reviewed at the end of six months,

but - and this is the but -

-is that you have to...be attendant.

-Yeah.

-OK?

-Yeah.

-Because that wouldn't be tolerated.

-No.

-And that would be a real quick exit.

-Yeah.

OK? So that is what I would like to offer you.

That's...

These are happy tears!

-Yes?

-Yes!

Give us a hug. Come on.

Thank you so much.

My pleasure.

OK. I'd better go and... Going to go and de-stress now.

OK, go and have a cup of tea.

-See you later.

-OK.

Yay!

Great. I feel great.

I've got a job, I've got a job!

To mark the end of their work placements,

the town's elders and the mentors

have invited the trainees to a party at the pavilion

to celebrate their time in Christchurch

and everything they've achieved.

I'd like to say, it's a credit to Christchurch

and all its residents.

It really has been a pleasure,

so I'd like to raise a glass to Christchurch.

I've put a deposit down on a caravan.

So, you know,

it's full steam ahead, innit?

Who knows? 30 years down the line

I could have a chain of butcher shops, couldn't I?

I think the most hard thing to live with

were all the people farting and burping around the house.

I got the job, awesome.

When I see the back of some of these people, awesome.

I feel like I've definitely proved something to myself.

Hard work pays off.

But I am really excited about what the future holds.

I'm pretty excited, cos, you know, to support me daughter,

in work, you know,

when I tell her I've got a job, she'll be really happy.

After living in the big city for so long,

I just want to move to a nice small, quiet town with a good local.

I've had some fun, I've had some laughs,

we've had some up and downs, but all in all,

I've been glad I've had him as my boss.

I've had one amazing experience down here,

and, tell you what, I'd do it all over again.

This whole thing has just been amazing,

I don't want it to end.

And all our mattress-sliding fun

that we have, I'm probably going to miss that most.

I'm feeling really positive about the future.

It's what I need, basically, to just get away from the nest

and spread my wings and fly!

I think we've all learnt lessons down here about ourselves,

and about people in general,

the difference of generations and ages,

that we'll take away with us in life.

Well, I will, for sure.

It's been brilliant.

I've absolutely loved it, every moment of it,

and I will never, ever forget it. It's been amazing!