Oliver Grant, 16, had expected a garden centre interview to focus more on his badge achievements.
The former Scout had listed first aid, fire lighting, crafts, camping and advanced knots on his application.
“I thought the badges held real value.” he said. “There were ceremonies. Akela even shook my hand in front of everyone.”
The interview reportedly changed tone when staff asked whether he had ever used a till.
Oliver explained they completely looked past his ability to make a bird feeder from lolly sticks, “as if it didn’t mean anything.”
The garden centre later confirmed it was looking for someone with at least three years’ till experience.
Oliver’s mother, June, said she had tried to warn him.
“I told him to focus more on school, or volunteer work” she said. “But he kept coming home with more badges.”