Rhys Jones

During my time working at The Range, I gained hands-on experience across almost every area of retail, which helped me build a strong set of practical and customer-facing skills. I wasn’t limited to just one part of the store — I supported the team wherever I was needed, which made me adaptable, reliable and confident in a busy working environment.

One of my key responsibilities was working on the tills, where I regularly served customers, processed payments, handled returns and ensured transactions were accurate. This required attention to detail, honesty, and the ability to stay calm under pressure, especially during busy periods. It also taught me how to communicate professionally, greet customers warmly and maintain good service even when the queues were long.

I also carried out a variety of stock-related duties, such as restocking shelves, rotating products, organising back-of-house inventory and checking deliveries. This helped me develop practical skills like time management, working efficiently and maintaining a safe, tidy workspace. It also taught me how to follow instructions carefully and prioritise tasks when the store was busy.

On the shop floor, I dealt directly with customers by answering questions, locating products, giving advice and solving any issues they had. This strengthened my customer service abilities, helping me become confident when speaking to all types of people, including those who were frustrated or needed extra support. I learned how to stay patient, empathetic and solution-focused.

Working across multiple departments gave me a clear understanding of how a retail store operates. I developed skills in teamwork, communication, responsibility, problem-solving and professionalism, and learned how every role in the store contributes to delivering a positive customer experience.

This all-round experience at The Range helped shape me into someone who is dependable, confident with people and able to adapt quickly — qualities that I bring into every future job or apprenticeship

Working as a receptionist at Este Medical gave me strong experience in a professional, customer-focused environment where communication, organisation and confidence were essential. I was often the first point of contact for clients, which meant I had to create a positive and welcoming atmosphere from the moment they arrived or called the clinic.

My main responsibilities included greeting clients, checking them in for appointments, answering phone calls, responding to enquiries and managing the front desk. This strengthened my communication skills, as I had to speak clearly, remain polite and make sure every client felt supported and looked after. I also learned how to provide accurate information about treatments, appointment times and clinic procedures, which required attention to detail and strong product knowledge.

I regularly handled tasks such as booking and scheduling appointments, managing the clinic diary, organising paperwork and maintaining confidentiality. This helped me develop excellent organisation, time management and professionalism, especially when dealing with multiple clients at once or when the clinic was busy.

Dealing with customers face-to-face taught me how to manage challenging or anxious clients by staying calm, patient and reassuring. I developed strong problem-solving skills, often resolving issues such as booking errors, delays or concerns about treatments. This experience made me confident in handling difficult situations while still delivering high-quality service.

Working closely with practitioners and other staff improved my teamwork abilities, as good communication was essential for keeping the clinic running smoothly. I also became confident using booking systems, reception software and completing administrative tasks accurately.

Overall, my experience at Este Medical strengthened my customer service, communication, organisation and professionalism. It taught me how to work under pressure, support clients with care and handle responsibilities responsibly — skills that are valuable in any apprenticeship or customer-facing role