Chris Finds His Station in Life

They say, “Never go back” but that’s exactly what 43 year old Chris Whitaker did when he returned to rail caterer Rail Gourmet recently, following a training programme at BEST Leeds.

Personal problems and fitness issues had led him to leave Rail Gourmet some 21 years ago and Chris had subsequently become demotivated and struggling to find work. Now, he looks and sounds like a changed man; full of confidence and with IT and food safety qualifications to his credit.

Delighted

“When I was assigned to BEST by my Job Centre advisor I decided to make the most of the opportunity,” says Chris, “If you go in with a negative attitude you’re not going to be successful. BEST is very job-focussed and helpful and I began getting interview opportunities quickly. I phoned Rail Gourmet to ask if they’d consider taking me back - and I’m delighted they agreed.”

Providing 100s of tonnes of food and catering equipment to 1,000s of passengers daily on a 24/7 cycle is no job for the faint-hearted, as Leeds Service Centre manager Andy Patten explained:- “We have contracts with four train companies, and we might get half an hour’s notice of what an incoming train requires - a train which could be in the station for just five minutes. But we’ve got to have everything picked, packed and waiting when the train arrives. Trains don’t wait for anyone!”

Family and football

Andy says Chris is doing a good job, too:- “It’s great to see enthusiastic people doing what they say they’re going to do, and Chris is definitely in that league.”

Chris likes his 6a.m. - 2p.m. shift, giving him the rest of the day for his family and his great passion - football. And who does he support? Newcastle United. Ah, well, life can’t always be perfect, Chris!