I've spent the last 18 months working through different temporary staffing agencies.
Different jobs. Different places. Different people.
And if there's one thing I've learnt, it's that finding work shouldn't be as complicated as some agencies make it.
Sometimes getting a shift sorted felt harder than actually doing the shift.
The communication wasn't always great. Processes were unnecessarily complicated. And things that should've been simple just weren't.
After a while, I started thinking:
Surely there's a better way of doing this?
So I decided to try and build one.
That's where GRAFTD came from.
I'VE BEEN ON THE OTHER SIDE.
I know what it's like being the worker.
Waiting to hear if you've got a shift.
Trying to work out where you're meant to be.
Wondering whether you've got enough work coming up.
And just wanting someone to give you a straight answer.
I've also seen how much businesses rely on temporary staff.
When they need people, they need people who are going to turn up and get the job done.
Not a load of hassle.
Not excuses.
Just reliable workers.
And that's what I want GRAFTD to deliver.
BEING YOUNG SHOULDN'T HOLD YOU BACK.
This is a big one for me.
When you're 18 or 19, getting started in work isn't always easy.
You look at job adverts and half of them want experience.
But how are you supposed to get experience if nobody gives you a chance?
It doesn't make much sense.
I want GRAFTD to be somewhere young people can start building that experience.
You don't need an impressive CV for every entry-level shift.
You don't need to have your whole life figured out.
But you do need the right attitude.
IF YOU'RE PREPARED TO GRAFT, WE'RE PREPARED TO GIVE YOU AN OPPORTUNITY.
IT'S ABOUT MORE THAN THE MONEY.
Don't get me wrong.
Getting paid is a pretty big part of why we go to work.
Whether you're saving for a car, paying for a holiday or just want some money in your account, that's completely fair.
But I want people to get more out of GRAFTD than just their wages.
I want them to build experience.
Learn new skills.
Meet people.
Grow their confidence.
And have something decent to put on their CV.
If you've worked hard with us and built a good reputation, I want GRAFTD to be able to back you with a proper professional reference.
And if you're going for a permanent job, we'll do what we can to help you prepare.
Because getting a better opportunity shouldn't mean we've lost a worker.
It should mean we've helped someone move forward.
BETTER FOR BUSINESSES TOO.
This isn't just about the people doing the shifts.
I want GRAFTD to make things easier for businesses as well.
If you need ten people to help set up an event, you shouldn't have to spend your entire day chasing an agency for answers.
You should be able to tell us what you need and trust us to get on with it.
Good communication.
Straightforward processes.
Reliable people.
That's what we're aiming for.
NO FLUFF. JUST GRAFT.
I'm not pretending I've got everything figured out.
I'm still young. I'm still learning.
But I've done the shifts, I've seen what could work better, and I know the kind of agency I want to build.
One that treats people properly.
One that gives young workers a chance.
And one that businesses can actually rely on.
That's GRAFTD.
And we're only getting started.
CHARLIE
Founder, GRAFTD