Work experience and enterprise

We work closely with students, families and employers to create personalised experiences that match individuals’ strengths and interests. Whether it is a short-term placement or an extended opportunity, our goal is to open doors to each student’s future.

We currently have a number of students accessing off-campus work placements with employers such as theatres, school, local cafes, natures reserves and care homes. All our students benefit from the support of Henshaws job coaches when accessing work placements.

It’s a fantastic way for our students to build their confidence as they are given more responsibility and independence. It prepares them for the next step in their adult life. We also find that employers really benefit from a motivated and dedicated workforce.

We also offer lots of opportunities for work experience on our college campus. Through a range of tailored placements – including areas like shop management, horticulture, hair and beauty – students gain real-life experience that helps to build confidence, independence and employability.

Students at Henshaws are also given the opportunity to take part in college enterprise projects. These are student-led projects where students develop both life and employability skills in a supportive, structured environment. This year we have seen a wide variety of enterprise projects ranging from the selling of horticulture produce to our ‘flowery baps’ sandwich enterprise.

Students on our employability skills programme will be given the opportunity to access our carefully structured curriculum focussed on building essential skills such as communication, teamwork, time management, problem-solving and workplace etiquette.