by Laurie Stone
DAVID Lammy, 36, is MP for Tottenham and Minister Of State For Higher Education And Intellectual Property in the Department Of Innovation, Universities And Skills (DIUS).
DIUS is responsible for adult learning, including Train To Gain, the Government's flagship training service. To find out more see traintogain.gov.uk or call 0800 015 5545.
FIRST Job? At Kentucky Fried Chicken but I'd had loads of holiday jobs before then, starting with a paper round when I was ten. Where was it and how old were you? On Tottenham High Road in north London. I was 15. Job description? I had to do everything - frying chicken and chips and making burgers, serving customers and using the till, keeping the place clean and making sure the food and fryers were working correctly and at the right temperature. It was all about learning precise routines. First pay packet? It was Pounds 120 per week but they were long days. I really felt like I earned it! What was your greatest achievement? I once chased and caught someone who hadn't paid. My colleagues said my greatest achievement was always being able to spot the "mystery shopper" the company would send in to see everything was up to standard. I could tell who they were a mile off. Biggest mistake? When I was running for the Tottenham by-election in 2000, my leaflet had me and the KFC store manager on the front, because so many people used to pop in to KFC and knew who I was. I had been offered the PM for the leaflet - and I upset him by not putting him on the front! Was there someone, good or bad, who played an important role in your job? The wonderful store manager Bibi, who continued to offer me a job in every school and university holiday. She was like a mum. A supportive boss is so important. When and why did you leave? Once I got my GCSEs and did well, I started work in as a security guard, because it was better paid. I also wanted to be a lawyer, so I worked for nothing in legal jobs to get experience. Best bit of advice given to you? A clip-on earring and a shiny nylon suit are not the best look for a serious job interview. Top tip for getting a job? Be prepared to work for free to start off with, to get some experience.
This interview first appeared in the Sun on 30th October 2008.
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