I began my journey at the Ice Rink as a casual steward, also picking up shifts as a casual Visitor Services Assistant. Over time, I took on more responsibilities and extra shifts, which eventually led to being offered a full-time contract at the Ice Rink. From there, I embraced every opportunity to grow and learn. I completed First Aid at Work training, learned how to grind skates, received training in ticket sales, and even supported the Pitch and Putt golf course. My hard work was recognised with a promotion to Supervisor.

Eventually, I progressed into the role of Acting Duty Manager. This position helped me develop strong time management skills and grow in confidence as a team leader, while also challenging me to step outside my comfort zone. In this role, I’ve been responsible for managing rink sessions, scheduling staff, handling customer complaints, and ensuring smooth day-to-day operations.

Alongside my duties, I’ve also had the opportunity to shadow Neil Coe from our Facilities team – an experience that connects directly to my A-level studies in the Built Environment, a subject I’m passionate about and eager to pursue further.

I was first drawn to Alexandra Palace because of my passion for ice skating, having played ice hockey when I was younger. But what stood out even more were the many benefits available across Ally Pally’s diverse departments – such as the Theatre, Ice Rink, Events team, and Catering. These areas offer staff perks like discounts and free tickets to events, which really appealed to me.

I was also attracted by the open and genuine nature of the people here, as well as Ally Pally’s core values. There are always opportunities to get involved with different departments and build connections across the organisation, which makes it a great place to grow both personally and professionally.

What I enjoy most about working at Alexandra Palace is the open, friendly atmosphere created by the team. I also really value the variety of projects that allow me to collaborate with colleagues across different departments and meet new people. With such a large and diverse estate, every task brings something new – so I’m always learning, and no two days are ever the same.

There are also some great perks, like dedicated staff skate sessions, generous benefits, and even the occasional meeting held on the ice!

The Ice Rink team has been especially supportive when it comes to training and professional development. Because the team regularly rotates and evolves, there are plenty of opportunities to gain new skills and step into different roles.

The Property and Facilities team has also played a big part in my growth, easing me into my current role at a steady, manageable pace. This approach has allowed me to absorb information without feeling rushed, which I really value.

So far, I’ve taken part in several development opportunities, including counter-terrorism training, first aid training, and injury awareness courses.

One of my biggest achievements has been a significant boost in self-confidence. I’ve become much more comfortable interacting with others and have developed the ability to stay calm and effective in high-pressure situations, especially when dealing with tight deadlines or challenging customer interactions. These skills have been shaped by my experience working across both the Ice Rink and Facilities teams.

One ongoing challenge has been tackling topics that are completely new to me. However, I see these moments as valuable learning opportunities that push me to adapt, build new skills, and prepare for future growth.

I’d like to continue developing my qualifications while working here and build valuable on-the-job experience to support my career at Alexandra Palace. I hope to take on more responsibilities and gain knowledge from both colleagues and formal study.

I’m currently working toward a Level 4 apprenticeship and plan to progress to a Level 6 Construction Management degree. This will be delivered online, with 20% of my time dedicated to study. My goal is to develop skills in planning, regulations, and eventually work in a role similar to Neil’s.

I’ve also started working with Iain Mcdonald one day a week to gain more insight into Facilities.

I try to live the Ally Pally values by being open, genuine, and collaborative. Whether at work or in my personal life, I believe it’s important to treat everyone with respect and approach every situation with honesty. I’ve found that collaboration often leads to better outcomes, especially when working toward shared goals.

I’m always happy to learn new skills and adapt how I work to be more efficient—especially when using new technologies or embracing innovative ideas. I also try to be resourceful, using the tools and knowledge we already have to overcome challenges and solve problems.

During the summer of 2024, the ice rink closed for maintenance. With limited work available, I wanted to stay productive—so I reached out to Neil Coe and the Facilities team to ask if I could shadow them for three weeks. With support from both Kirsty at the rink and Iain/Neil, I was given the opportunity to explore different aspects of Facilities and understand what the team does on a day-to-day basis.

This experience connected directly with what I studied at A-Level in Built Environment. It opened my eyes to how vast the Palace is and the sheer amount of work that goes into maintaining and improving it.

After those three weeks, I asked Kirsty if I could continue working one day a week with Facilities, and she agreed. As I got more involved, I learned that the Facilities team is quite small given the scale of work involved. That led to discussions with Iain about creating a new role—which eventually resulted in a business case and the approval of funding for an apprenticeship.

If you’re interested in building a career in a unique and dynamic environment like Ally Pally, check out our Careers page to learn more and see our latest vacancies.