What is Work Placement?
Work Experience is a great opportunity to learn about a job or area of work. You will use skills that you might not even know you have and develop new skills that will help you work better with other people now and in the future. Most employers also take on work placement individuals for permanent roles if they impress on placement.
Recent interviews with businesses tell us that employers want to recruit students who are “work-ready”. The best way to gain these vital employability skills is by gaining meaningful and rewarding experience in the workplace.
What have our former students said?
“I went on placement with SP Energy Networks and had the chance to travel across the UK during the week shadowing workers. I learnt so much!”. Megan Level 3 Business Student
“I have been working in a care home shadowing staff, learning how best to develop my skills to go into the care sector” Cerys Level 3 Health and Social Student
“I want to be a Zoo Manager, going out on placement to Croxteth farm has helped me understand more how to care for animals and working with the public. I have learnt loads.” Lucy Level 3 Animal Management Student
Why is work experience important?
A recent survey showed two thirds of employers look for graduates with relevant work experience because it helps them prepare for work and develop general business awareness. Importantly, one third of employers felt that applicants did not have a satisfactory level of knowledge about their chosen career or job.
Work experience will help you gain a better understanding of a career and allow you time to develop job specific skills and give you a clear insight in the work involved.
Meet our Work Placement Officers
Here at college, we have an experienced team of placement officers with a wide range of industry experience who can support you in finding your placement and while out on placement. You can message them on Teams or see alternative contact details below.
My name is Emma Caldwell, I look after A-Levels, Business, IT, Public Services and Sports, I have a degree in education and previously have been an early year’s teacher. If there is anything you’d like to ask about Work Experience please pop and see me, I’ll always greet you with a smile! Contact me – Emma.Caldwell@riversidecollege.ac.uk
My name is Dan McKernan, I look after Animal Management and Construction. I am a qualified curriculum tutor with previous experience teaching sport and public services. Therefore, I understand the challenges you face, and the requirements needed in order for you to pass your qualification. Contact me – Daniel.Mckernan@riversidecollege.ac.uk
My name is Abbie Edmonds, and I am the work placement officer for Health and Social care (Riverside and Cronton), Hair and Beauty and Catering and Hospitality. I have my degree in Health and Social care and have worked in different sectors, including nurseries, metal health sector and hospitals. Contact me – Abbie.Edmonds@riversidecollege.ac.uk
My name is Sandra Brown, and I am the work placement officer for creative arts, Digital Built Environment, Motor Vehicle, Motor Sports and Engineering. I have a Degree in Health and Social Care and have a Foundation Degree childcare. I have worked previously in recruitment for Reed employment and Kelly services. Contact me – Sandra.Brown@riversidecollege.ac.uk
