From College to Community: Work Experience Stories

Our Specialist College is a wonderful place for young people to grow; in confidence, in independence, and in ambition. One of the ways we do this is by supporting them to take part in meaningful work experience placements out in the community. Whether it’s lending a hand in a care home, getting stuck in at a nursery or school, exploring the great outdoors at a nature reserve, or gaining insight behind the scenes at a theatre or builder’s merchant, there’s something for everyone.

These placements are about building skills for the future. They help our students to discover what they enjoy, meet new people, and feel proud of the contribution they’re making. It’s real-world learning, with real rewards.

In this blog, you’ll find out more about these experiences and hear insights from employers.

Digging into nature: Cameron & Kirstie at St Nicks

Let’s start with two students who headed into the great outdoors to support the team at St Nicks Nature Reserve in York.

Cameron got stuck into a variety of tasks to support maintaining the grounds, including tool organisation, laying woodchip, and clearing paths to improve public access. Cameron’s work experience has enabled him to develop his ability to communicate with unfamiliar people, whilst also working independently on the reserve. Cameron also worked on campus as a potting shed assistant. During this role, he completed a number of maintenance tasks set by the potting shed lead. 

Cameron has worked hard – the results show that… he is always positive about it. He is clearly passionate about nature; it is always good to hear him detail the various butterfies, bugs and insects he has encountered and see the obvious pleasure he has derived from that. Cameron is a nice person to have around; he always leaves me with a smile over how well he seems to gel with Justin, and at his obvious delight anticipating the next port of call after St Nicks, namely the Greggs sandwich shop! I will be sorry to see Cameron leave as it has been a pleasure having him here at St Nicks. Again, I really do wish him well for the future.

St Nicks Nature Reserve

Kirstie also thrived at the nature reserve, working on pathway and hedge maintenance with a fellow student. She helped transport tools, worked as part of a team, and really developed her confidence and communication skills.

The main thing that has struck me since first meeting her is her enthusiasm – she always bounces in, is keen to get her boots on, and is often leading the way outside before the other 3 have caught up with her… Her efforts have been invaluable to us, and we really have appreciated them… It’s been a pleasure having Kirstie working with us and I will be sorry to see her finish here. I really do wish her well for the future.

St Nicks Nature Reserve

Bringing smiles to care: Ella at Southlands

Ella spent her placement at Southlands Care Home in Harrogate, supporting with afternoon activities like crafts and charity fundraising. Her confidence and communication blossomed as she helped organise events and supported residents with warmth and kindness.

Ella she was a great asset to me when we did the Sponsored walk – she kept all the scores for all the laps the residents walked and she helped me give out the medals. She has helped with the residents when playing games, she is a sociable and happy student and we have very much enjoyed having her at Southlands, we wish her the very best for her future.

Southlands Care Home

A team player: Elliott at ATM

Elliott took on a range of tasks during his placement at ATM, a builder’s merchant in Minskip. He quickly became one of the team, helping to complete a variety of maintenance tasks around the ATM offices. His confidence soared as he tackled new experiences with a smile.

Elliott has been an absolute joy to work with at ATM. He’s tried his hand at several different tasks, ranging from sanding and painting all the way to office administration. He faced it all with a beaming smile that lit up the office, and we’re all going to miss him dearly

ATM

He also took part in the Sporting Futures work skills development programme, attending sessions at Harrogate Town and Woodlands Methodist Church, where he learned about different job roles and gained valuable insight into the world of work at sports clubs.

Inspiring young learners: Liv at Seedlings & Brackenfield

During her time at college, Liv accessed two work experience placements – Seedlings Nursery and Brackenfield Primary School. 

At Brackenfield, she supported Makaton sessions, while at Seedlings, she progressed to leading her own Makaton sessions with support from her job coach. Her planning, timekeeping, and communication skills have all gone from strength to strength. Her work has been so impactful that Seedlings are keen to support Liv’s continued development beyond college.

Liv settled into the team incredibly well, she quickly understood and integrated into the settings ethos and routines well… she easily captured the children’s attention like a pro. It has been lovely to have Liv with us and the children and team will miss her when her placement ends.

Seedlings Nursery

Taking centre stage: Tyler at Harrogate Theatre

Tyler joined Harrogate Theatre, using his BrailleNote Touch to help record programme notes, which he then uploaded to the theatre’s website. He also reviewed the work completed by artists performing at the theatre and supported ushering during the busy panto season. His hard work earned him a recommendation for an Arts Award – a fantastic recognition of his contribution.

We were delighted to support him in achieving his Arts Award, something we hope he will take forwards with him wherever he goes. Every session, Tyler greeted us with a smile and always had a good joke to tell. We are very grateful of the work Tyler has done, and we will certainly miss him when he has graduated. We wish Tyler all the best for the future.

Harrogate Theatre

Real experiences, real impact

These work placements give our students so much more than a taste of working life. They build confidence, strengthen life skills, and help our students imagine new possibilities for their futures. We’re incredibly proud of each student’s journey and deeply grateful to the local employers who continue to welcome and support them.

When the right opportunities are in place, there’s no limit to what our students can achieve.