My experience with MacsMAD – Day 1

I’m Ryan – part of the Kickstarter initiative for Marketing at Miss Macaroon. Having graduated last year, trying to find employment throughout the pandemic has been difficult.  As a recently employed Marketing Assistant, I’m able to develop skills and gain professional experience in a time where I would’ve otherwise been unemployed.

For example, I was fortunate enough to be invited to attend the first meeting of MacsMAD cohorts. My role is to observe and document the progress of the trainees, offering my thoughts and key points that stood out to me.

What is MacsMAD?

Our MacsMAD [Macaroons that Make A Difference] programme is a ten week course designed to give employability skills to vulnerable long-term unemployed young people, aged 18-35 years old, in the Midlands. The course includes hands-on work experience, interview and CV workshops and counselling sessions.

It’s designed to give our trainees the confidence, motivation and practical skills they need to enter stable employment and develop their own career paths. This could be in catering, retail, or any industry in which skills gained throughout the programme can be transferred. If you would like to learn more about our MacsMAD scheme, click here.

MacsMAD: First Impressions

Last week, I observed the MacsMAD trainees as they began their time with Miss Macaroon.  

Upon introducing myself and getting to know the team, I got to understand the complexity with regards to the needs members have. Previously on the course we’ve had members who experienced mental health conditions, physical impairments, family dysfunction, as well as other setbacks that  have prevented them from succeeding in employment.

The team was fortunate enough to talk with CEO Rosie Ginday to discuss her career history and ask questions:

‘What was a challenging moment for you when building your business? Did you ever feel like quitting?’ 

[Rosie]: ‘We were still relatively new to launching the MacsMADprogram, and upon hiring our third participant, we soon realised that the tools and plan we had in place wasn’t necessarily helping them but hindering. Therefore, we had to figure out an alternative plan for them to succeed. A lesson learnt for sure, we had and still do, make sure we cater to each team member as if it’s an individual case and not a group setting.’  

This was apparent in today’s sessions, with Amy, our Special Advisor, as she provided quality teaching on a one-to-one basis. The group also started collaborative projects to start building teamwork and communication skills with one another. 

To close the talk, Rosie mentioned how, from her first job as a server at 16 to being Miss Macaroon’s CEO, she’s learned lessons along the way that she applies to her work today. She states, 

‘If you find yourself in a job or situation you don’t like, alter your frame of mind and see the bigger picture. See it as being beneficial and what you’ve learnt, rather than focusing on the negatives.’ 

MacsMAD and The Power of Yet

A key theme of the day was empowerment, which was never more evident than when Amy discussed the power of yet’. It’s second nature almost to be self-deprecating in things we don’t do well in; I’m guilty of it. 

To combat this, Amy suggested that we add the word ‘yet’ to the end of any self-deprecating thoughts or comments we may come across, in order to reflect a more positive mindset.

For example, all program participants face unemployment and have likely said at some point, ‘I don’t have a job’, I know I have. IInstead, saying ‘I don’t have a job yet’ shifts the tone towards a positive mind frame. Something I’ve taken from the meeting; there are times in my life when the power of yet would’ve been helpful.

MacsMAD: Day One Completed

Overall, it’s hard not to feel this sense of optimism for the MacsMAD trainees. Their willingness to listen and learn, combined with the resources provided by Miss Macaroon and MacsMAD, will, for sure, yield great success. Many people would benefit from attending, actively participating or just listening on the side-lines. It offers excellent advice and support for people.

Keep an eye out for my next piece, where we explore the MacsMAD participants in the full swing of things! I’m hoping to see them more confident in themselves and capabilities to show me what they can do independently.