Clair's career journey inspires Melton's youngsters

Former John Ferneley and Kind Edward VII pupil Clair (41), is now assistant personnel manager at Ragdale and is well-known for championing the spa as a great place to work at jobs and careers fairs in the area, and by talking to many of Melton’s school pupils thinking about their career options.

Clair herself has worked in a variety of roles since joining, starting out as a kitchen porter with the unenviable job of washing the many pots and pans involved in serving three-course meals to hundreds of guests.

She worked part-time in Ragdale’s bar areas while she was at Melton College studying for secretarial qualifications. She then went on to become a full-time trainee receptionist, moving to an administration assistant role, before becoming an office manager, covering a colleague’s maternity leave.

That led to Clair moving into Ragdale’s personnel team, where she found her niche and has been based since, developing further by studying for human resources qualifications at Loughborough College.

“I love what I do here at Ragdale,” she said. “I feel I’m at the right level and working in an area that I’m really suited to.”

Having experienced what it’s like to work in many of Ragdale’s varied roles, she feels she’s well-placed to advise people interested in working there about what it’s like – and how you don’t know where the job might take you.

“I have been given lots of opportunities and it’s nice for me to be able to help other people progress here, like I’ve been able to”, she said.

In Clair’s years at Ragdale she’s seen many changes, including the expansion and improvement of the facilities, and the increase in the number of staff. Despite this she feels there is still a ‘family feel’ to Ragdale, adding: “You know everyone by name and feel you’re all working towards the same goal and we’re all contributing to something special. I can’t imagine working anywhere else.”

For the latest opportunities or to find out more about working at Ragdale, call 01664 434831 and ask to speak to Clair Homewood.