Jumpstart London Premium Programme

FAQ

EMPLOYMENT

Will I receive a job before I leave?
Yes, you will have a phone assessment with our UK partners and if you are successful then you will receive offer of employment. This is the best solution if you are looking to secure a job months prior to your arrival date.

Where will I be working?
You will be working in one of our many 5*hotels in Central London. What about all the other employment options in the UK

What roles will I be expected to do within the 5* star hotels?
When you first arrival you will always start with the catering team. You will attend functions and events and be expected to do a multitude of tasks within the catering division. Up to 40% of our participants accept permanent positions which are offered directly by the 5* hotels. Job offers include food and beverage departments, front of house, reservation agents, bellman, laundry and house keeping. The rest of our applicants who continue using this type of employment do stay in the catering team as casuals.

When can I start work?
You can start working within 7 days of registering at out London office, which gives you the freedom to start when the time is right for you.

How many hours will I be working per week?
This really does depend on you, if you have a good work ethic, work well with a team and show up for work on time then you will be at the top of the list when we call people for shifts. You can expect to work anywhere between 30 to 50 hours a week.

How and when are shifts allocated?
You are given the opportunity a week in advance to advise which days you are available to work. Confirmation of your shifts will be provided via a SMS up to 3 days prior to the first shift date and you will then be required to confirm. Be aware that if you have confirmed shifts and you don’t attend, your future shift allocation will be effected.

How much money can I expect earn per week?
That will be dependant on how many shifts you work a week but your hourly rate will be between £6- £8. You will be paid every Friday, one week in arrears.

Do I require any pervious experience in hospitality?
No, but what is essential is that you have an outgoing personality and work well in a team. Flexibility is essential as you will be doing a variety of different jobs within the catering team.

Do I require a uniform?
Yes, (usually black pants or shirt, white collared shirt or blouse and closed in black shoes). You will be advised on the appropriate uniform to buy after your training in London. You will be responsible for the purchase of your uniform but this can be picked up cheaply at one of the many discount stores in London.

Will training be provided?
Yes, for those people with no or little experience we do provide training in our London office. This training will cover the basics of table serving and we will also be available to answer any further questions you may have

Have you any tips for the phone assessment?
The best advice I can give is that you should be bubbly and confident in the phone assessment, ask plenty of questions and be yourself!

When will I receive my phone assessment?
You will receive your phone assessment within a week of completing your job application form. They will be conducted between 7-11pm from Monday to Friday.

What happens if I don’t pass the phone assessment?
If you have been declined because of grooming (Long hair and visible tattoo’s) than you can still be offered job assistance. Our partners are able to offer you work in certain environments; however they cannot guarantee this within 7 days.

Will I be able to work with my friends or partner?
We cannot guarantee that you will work every shift with your friend or partner but you will be located together where possible.

Can I find work if I have visible tattoos?
If your tattoos are visible when you are wearing your uniform, then you will not be accepted for the 7 day job guarantee.

Are there other types of employment in this programme?
Yes, if you are a Jumpstart Premium customer you will have 12 months access to a live interactive job site with consultants ready to book you in interviews. Plus, if you have two or more years experience working in admin, one of our partners will be happy to interview you pre-departure.

How does the Interactive job board work?
Our specialist job board consultants colour code the jobs so that you apply for the right job. If a live interview icon appears next to the job ad our consultants can book interviews on your behalf. You will never have to surf the endless mind fields of job sites, newspapers and recruitment agencies again.

You can view and book a premium room pre-departure via our online links but backpacker rooms are viewed and booked upon arrival. Budget accommodation is twin room share/same sex - cheap and cheerful to get you started in the London. Premium accommodation is your own room with en site and often self contained with own kitchenette and toilet.

ACCOMMODATION

What types of accommodation are available?
For a Jumpstart London Premium customer we can offer three nights hostel accommodation upon arrival while you choose a room share, for Jumpstart London Standard customers hostel accommodation is not included. Our accommodation includes a portfolio of shared houses for you to move into, upon arrival. The rooms are single, double and room share. Before you leave you can choose from two options, affordable backpacker/ budget style rooms or more expensive premium rooms.

Where are the shared houses located?
Budget - We have houses scattered throughout South/West and East London i.e. Acton, Ealing, Streatham, Tooting, Southfields, Leytonstone etc
Premium -We have houses scattered throughout South/West and East London i.e. Acton, Ealing, Streatham, Tooting, Southfields, Leytonstone etc

How much will I have to pay for rent?
Budget - You will be asked to pay between £90- £95 for a shared room (same sex rooms) which will include all bills. If you are looking to have your own room it will start from £95 up to £120, all bills included.
Premium - You will be looking at £130- £180 per week all bills included.

What’s the shortest period of time I can stay in the shared houses?
You will only be asked to sign a 2 weeks lease so when you are looking to vacate the house you will only need to give 2 weeks notice.

Will I have to pay any rent or bond before I move in?
Yes, your landlord will ask you to pay 1 week rent in advance and also a 2 weeks holding bond (2 times your weekly rent). You will receive your 2 weeks holding bond once you move out of the shared house.

Are the shared houses furnished?
Yes, they also have Internet and Cable TV.

Can I select where I want to live?
Yes, we ask you to stay in our private hostel when you arrive which is situated above our office in Fulham. We will offer you a variety of shared houses to look at and when you have decided on a preferred house then you can move in.

Who will I be sharing the house with?
Budget - Your housemates will be from either Australia or New Zealand who are all on a working holiday. This is great if you are travelling by yourself, as you will instantly have a network of friends.
Premium - Your housemates will be city corporate and professionals from all over the world.

To view photos of our Budget and Premium accommodation please visit our gallery

What condition are the houses in?
This will vary from house to house generally speaking our shared houses are like student digs/backpacker accommodation, cheap and cheerful. The premium accommodation is privately owned and top notch.

Are the houses close to public transport?
Yes, all houses are within walking distance to tube stations.

How far are the houses situated from where I will be working?
All the houses are approximately 20 to 30 mins from Central London.

How many people will be living in my house?
There will be no more than 2 people per room so if you are living in a 3 bedroom house there will be no more than 6 people in your house.

Can I leave my job with TWHC but still stay in my shared house?
Yes, as long as you pay your weekly rent you are still entitled to stay in your shared house.

I want to leave my shared house to go travelling; will I have accommodation to come back to?
Yes, we can arrange for you to move back into a shared house when you return. We will need at least 2 weeks notice although there is a good chance that you will not be located in the same house you lived in previously.

Can I change my shared house location after I have moved in?
This is possible but it could take a couple of weeks for us to arrange this.

Can I request a single room?
Yes, but again this could take a few weeks for us to arrange.

Can I share with my friend/ partner?
Absolutely

When will I get my bank account?
We are able to help you with two types of accounts. One is opened pre-departure and with other is opened upon arrival.

If I want my account open pre-departure what do I have to do?
Notify a member of TWHC and we will send you out the application forms.

What documents will I need to provide for the pre-departure account?
You will need to provide a certified proof of address and certified copy of your passport. You will need to earn $50,000 or more in Australia but we can use you and your parents combined income to reach the $50,000.

Will I receive my SIM card before I leave?
Yes, we post your UK SIM card out to your home address about a week after paying your invoice.

What is the National Insurance Number and how does it work?
This is similar to a Tax File Number, you can apply for your NI number as soon as you arrive in the UK. We will provide you with the number that you need to call to register.

VISA INFORMATION (TIER 5)

What age do I need to be to qualify for the Tier 5 (youth mobility) working visa?
You will need between 18 -30 years of age. You can apply for your visa when you are 30, as long as your visa is processed before your 31^st birthday, you will still be issued a 2 year visa.

Do I need to have a certain amount of money in my bank account to apply for the visa?
Yes, the British Consulate requires you to have at least £1600, which is approximately $3000 in your bank account. It is advisable to have this money in your account for as long as possible. The British Consulate does ask for a min of 90 days. Although this is not always checked up it is advisable to adhere to the guidelines. Don’t get Mum or Dad to deposit $3000 into your account a couple of days before you print off your bank statement, as this will raise suspicion.

When should I apply for my visa?
We recommend that you apply for your visa approximately 3 months prior to your planned departure date.

Will I be granted a visa if I have a criminal record or a drink driving offence?
This is will be dependent on a number of factors, firstly what was the offence? How long ago did it occur? Have you paid all outstanding fines related to the offence? If you do have a criminal record or a have committed a drink driving offence then you will need to produce documentation from the court hearing.

What documentation will I be required to produce for my visa process?

• Valid passport (for more than a year)
• Separate passport photo
• Bank statement or Bank letter (with £1600 or more)

How much will the visa cost?
£190, this is payable directly to the British Consulate. We will advise you on how to go about this.

How long will it take before I receive my visa?
The visa process normally takes approximately 3-4 weeks, this may vary depending on the time of year and the number of applications.

What is a Biometrics test?
This is an electronic scan of your finger.

Am I required to do a Biometrics test?
Yes, all Tier 5 visa applicants are required to do this test.

Where can I do the Biometrics test?
Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne and Perth. The biometrics tests are held from to Monday to Friday between 9am-5pm.

How long can I stay in the UK with a Tier 5 visa?
You are entitled to stay for 2 years in the UK.

How long can I work in the UK on this visa?
You can work the whole of your 2 years.

How often can I leave and re-enter the UK on this visa?
As often as you choose, there are no limitations in  this regard.

Will I be able to get this visa again?
Unfortunately not, this visa is only given once in a lifetime!

Will I need a return ticket to be eligible for this visa?
No, this is not necessary.

Can I do the visa myself?
Yes, you can make an online application but be aware that even the smallest error in the application process can result in your application being rejected.

Am I eligible for this visa if I have children?
No

What happens if I put false information on my applicant form?
Apart from this being illegal, the British Consulate could also ban you from entering the UK for up to 10 years!

Can I apply for my visa outside Australia?
Yes, as long as you have a valid working visa for that country in which you are applying from, then you can apply from that country. For example, if you are in Canada and you have a working visa for Canada and then wanted to work in the UK after that, you could apply for your UK visa whilst in Canada.

LIVE IN PUB WORK

Do I need previous experience working in a pub?
We do require you to have at least 6 months experience working in a bar/restaurant or in the hospitality industry.

Where are the pubs located?
They will be situated in the beautiful English countryside

Can I choose where I work?
Not exactly, you can select a certain area of England for example Southern England and we will do our best to locate you there.

How long am I expected to stay at the pub?
We do require you to provide a minimum of 4 months commitment.

Where will I be staying?
All the pubs come with staff housing, which is above the pub.

How much can I expect to earn?
You can expect to earn approximately £200 per week plus tips.

How much do I need to pay for rent?
We will have to pay between £30-£50 per week for your accommodation; this price will include all bills. Some pubs provide you with one free meal a day.

How many shifts will I receive per week?
You will be expected to work 40 hours per week.

How many days off will I be given per week?
You will be entitled to 2 days of a week.

When will I be informed of my job placement?
You will be notified of your job placement no less than a week before you want to commence your job. Don’t worry if you are leaving in a week and still haven’t secured a placement, as this is quite normal.

Can I work for longer than 4 months?
If you want to stay longer and the pub is happy to keep you then you can stay.

What will be my roles in the pub?
You will be expected to do anything from pulling pints, changing kegs, serving food and general running of the pub.

Can I change pubs if I am not happy at the pub I am at?
You can ask to be relocated if you are unhappy but this could take sometime to coordinate.

Will I have to share a room with someone?
This will depend on the pub you are at, most people do have to share a room but you may be lucky and have your own.

Where do I go when I first arrive in London?
With the Live-In Pub Programme we will give you one free night accommodation in our private hostel in London so you can relax and rest for a night before making your way to your pub.

How do I get from the hostel to my pub?
We will inform you on how you can get from the hostel to your pub once you have secured your position. This will be via public transport.

Can I do this programme with a friend or partner?
Yes, we can locate friends and partners together.

Can I take time off to travel whilst working at the pub?
This will depend on the pub, generally speaking you are required to do 40 hours per week but you maybe able to change shifts with one of your work mates.