Cathal
Sales Assistant, Edinburgh

It was at an Airport Jobs Fair that Cathal heard about Alpha. "I went along because I thought that working at the airport would be an interesting, new experience. I chose Alpha because they seemed like a good company to work for - and they are - and I wanted to work with the public - something I get a chance to do with Alpha. My day involves operating the tills, serving customers, displaying stock, ordering and housekeeping - every day I meet people from different walks of life and cultures. The 12 hour shifts can be tiresome, but then I only have to work three days before I get another three off to relax and go out with my friends."

Lee
Duty Manager - World News, Heathrow

Lee had been looking for an opportunity to further his career, so the manager ad for Alpha caught his eye. "I was working for Comet, so had some solid retail experience behind me, but I wanted to step up the career ladder. I hadn't heard of Alpha before, but had noticed the World News shops when I'd been through the airport to go on my holiday. The atmosphere at the airport always seemed quite lively and that, together with the good hourly rate, made me apply - and I'm glad I did! Not only do I enjoy a varied role where no two days are ever the same as I ensure the shop is well managed and staffed, but Alpha are a really good employer who look after you and encourage you to further your career. I'm now looking forward to my next step up the career ladder!"

Natalie
Sales Consultant, Nottingham East Midlands Airport

Having given up hairdressing in a local salon for the excitement of working at the airport, Natalie has been part of the Alpha team for three months. ‘'A friend who works for Alpha tipped me off that they were looking to add to the sales team. I like customer contact and having lots of different things to do and the shop looked great so I applied. The referencing and criminal record check wasn't very complicated and I was offered a job very quickly."

"I found the training very useful and soon felt ready to help customers with their purchases and with so many products on offer they've a lot to choose from. We sell all different types of drink, a big range of cigarettes, fantastic fragrances and beauty products as well as confectionery and so much more. I like the variety in the job, I am involved in so much from serving customers, operating tills and stocking up to setting up displays and doing promotion changeovers. Everyone is so friendly too. I really like the people I work with and we go out together after work a lot. With good pay, great colleagues and the opportunity to meet so many different people I think Alpha is a great place to work."

Helen
General Manager, Doncaster Robin Hood Airport

When Helen is not looking after the family, she's leading the retail operations team at the newly opened Robin Hood Airport near Doncaster. ‘‘In my previous role as a store manager I'd have to do a fair bit of commuting to get to work in Leeds, so when I saw a role that would use the best of my skills closer to home I was interested. I didn't know Alpha, but once I did some research on the web I was pleasantly surprised."

"I am pleased I did apply because the environment at the airport is so different. We don't have quiet days like I would have experienced in the shopping centre. With flights taking off continually during the day we've always got customers coming through the doors. I really like the different challenges I get to deal with day-to-day. Alpha give a lot of responsibility to their managers, so I am involved in all aspects of running our shops - recruiting, checking work schedules, motivating and training staff as well as looking at the bigger picture - setting service standards, analysing sales and managing our airport management relationship. I certainly haven't regretted my move. The company is very supportive and has highly competitive benefits packages, the people are friendly and there are real opportunities to develop your career further."

Sheenagh
Books Merchandiser, Nottingham East Midlands Airport

It was Sheenagh's passion for books that led her to visit the World News shop and ask if they had any vacancies. "I was delighted when they said they had a position for a books merchandiser as up until then I'd been working on the checkout at the local supermarket."

"With my love of books I couldn't have a more apt job - I get involved in everything from ordering and merchandising to stocking up and sorting out returns. As you'd expect I really enjoy reading, so the shift system allows me to have plenty of time to keep up with the latest bestsellers."

Satwinder
Sales Assistant, Heathrow

After five years of working with Alpha, Satwinder would definitely recommend it to his friends. "The wages are attractive, the discounts are good and the airport environment is always busy. It's an enjoyable job where I get to meet lots of different people whilst having a good time working as part of a great team."