From BBC Breakfast to a new job: How one young job seeker turned a TV interview into a career
By Community Correspondent
A young man who spoke on BBC Breakfast about his struggle to find work has landed a new job after his appearance caught the attention of an employer watching at home.
Alex Batty appeared on the programme to talk about his experience as one of the UK’s estimated 1 million young people not in employment, education or training (NEETs).
He spoke openly about submitting countless applications and attending interviews without success.
But while Alex was talking about the challenges he faced, someone watching the programme was already thinking about how he could help.
Dan Carolan, Contract Manager at SUEZ UK, was watching the interview over his morning coffee before heading to work.
As Alex spoke about his determination to find a job and his willingness to work hard if given the opportunity, Dan recognised qualities he was looking for.
“I remember seeing a young person who had clearly lost faith in the system yet still seemed so passionate and determined to find a solution,” said Dan.
“Alex wasn’t seeking sympathy. He simply needed someone to recognise what he had to offer and give him a chance – I knew I had to reach out and find Alex.”
With the help of the BBC, Dan was able to make contact with Alex and invited him to visit his local SUEZ site to find out more about the company and the opportunities available.
The meeting led to an interview, followed by a job offer.
Alex is now in his third month working as a recycling operative at his local Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC), where he has quickly become a valued member of the team.
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For Alex, the opportunity has also opened his eyes to a career he had never previously considered.
“One minute I was being interviewed about how difficult it was to find a job. The next, I was being offered the opportunity to meet a potential employer and show them I could do the job,” said Alex.
“I’d never really thought about the waste industry, but I can already see where my career could go. There are loads of opportunities for me to develop. I’m going to do all the training I can in order to learn and progress.”
Dan said Alex had brought the same positive attitude he displayed on television into his new role.
“In the few months we have had with Alex, he has been superb. He has converted the positive attitude he had on the TV screen straight into his new role,” he said.
Dan hopes Alex’s story will also highlight the range of careers available in the resource management industry.
“There are still some outdated misconceptions about our industry, but waste is now rightly recognised as a valuable resource,” he said.
“We employ a whole new set of skilled green jobs, from scientists and engineers to upholsterers and bike mechanics, and that’s just within Greater Manchester.”
SUEZ offers a range of routes into employment for young people, including entry-level roles, T-levels, apprenticeships and graduate opportunities.
For Alex, what began as an interview about the difficulty of finding work has become the start of a new career — and a reminder that sometimes an opportunity can come from the most unexpected places.
