WITH the festive season well underway, students all over the Cotswolds have been battling for a number of temporary Christmas jobs in the Cotswolds.

On returning home from university, or starting their Christmas break from college, young people often turn to local businesses to see if they can find a temporary job to earn some extra cash.

Cirencester College student Paige Ferris, 17, works at the town's Waitrose branch and has already signed up for extra hours over the holiday period.

She said in the summer of last year she remembers desperately wanting to have enough money to buy her friends, family and boyfriend some nice Christmas presents.

She was lucky enough to secure a weekend job Waitrose and has now taken on as many hours as she can over the holidays.

"I'm aware I was extremely lucky to get a job with Waitrose, but also to have only applied to one job and to get it," said Paige. "I never had the experience of being turned away through lack of experience.

"Places are usually always hiring around the seasonal times, but they advertise generally before people start looking. I feel young people get an edge, as they are often able and are more willing to work weekend shifts too."

Paige, who plans to transfer to a branch in London next year when she starts university, went on to say that she enjoys working around Christmas time as everyone is usually quite jolly.

"Everyone thinks I'm mad, but working at Christmas is my favourite time to work," she said. "Hearing Christmas traditions and trading stories with customers and colleagues is great fun."

Despite Paige being lucky enough to find employment on her own, help is still out there for students who are looking for work over various holiday times and also for after graduation.

A spokesman at the Royal Agricultural University (RAU) said the careers department supports its students in finding jobs, whether it be a temporary Christmas or summer job, a work placement or a graduate opportunity.

"The careers department staff offer one-to-one careers guidance, a CV checking service, skills training sessions, and several careers fairs throughout the year," she said.

"Our RAU jobs portal is a quick and easy way for students to browse a wide range of job vacancies, helping to further enhance their employment prospects in a competitive job market.

She went on to say that many of the RAU students complete a 20-week work placement as part of their studies, which helps them gain valuable skills and build up a strong network of contacts.