Work and Life Experience for Year 12

10 July 2023

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At the end of the summer term, over one hundred of our Year 12 students were able to put away their books as they ventured out into the real world of employment and took up work placements in a wide variety of industries.

The aim of the work opportunities, arranged by our Work Placement Coordinator, Mrs Sadat-Shafai, was two-fold: firstly to give the students a flavour of life in their chosen field of work and secondly to help them build some essential employment skills.

Students took up work placements in a wide range of businesses including: medical, legal, financial, engineering/construction, educations, insurance, childcare, leisure, animal care, and marketing.

Amy S undertook her work placement with Congleton Veterinary Centre and accompanied two of the Veterinary Nurses when they visited CHS to speak with some of our Year 10 students about the work they do at the Centre.

The feedback received from the employers was exceptional, making us all extremely proud:

"Isla couldn't be more polite, helpful and friendly and is a pleasure to have in the boutique with us. We have had work experience placements each year for at least the past 10 years and Isla is easily one of the most engaging students we have had with us.“ Jo, The Bridal Lounge

"Sophie was absolutely brilliant, all the staff and patients were really impressed. She was confident and articulate. A real pleasure to be around." Janet McGroggan, Stride Clinic.

"As part of Jack and Matthew's work experience week at Pro-Stretch UK, they have been learning all about our company and our patented technology Mechanical Stretch trims! They showed a keen interest in how everything works and asking questions about our factories overseas." Joanne Bywater, Pro-Stretch

"Brodie shadowed myself and a colleague at the beginning of the week and is now shadowing the nurse to get a good insight into the nursing role. She is punctual, smart and very polite in her approach." Laura Hancock, Astbury Care Home.

"Harvey's settling in very well! He's been great at turning his hand to all tasks assigned so far and is showing an excellent level of focus." Scarlet Rajah, Zeus PR

"All three are here, busy working on a quantity surveying exercise. There is a lot of good team work on show." Antje Budge, Balfour Beatty.

"Such a precious moment, Len has dementia and rarely engages in activities. Hannah was just beautiful with him and so patient - and then Korie, our veteran work experience student, who is about to take on the role of dementia services assistant." Rachel Beard, Ablewell Care

"Isabella has been fantastic again today. She really has a nice approach with our residents and is able to use her initiative. She asks questions and shows a real interest in learning and demonstrates great communications skills. The resident gave permission for the photograph to be taken and said Isabella was a pleasure to meet." Laura Hancock, Astbury Care Home.

In addition to great feedback, one of our students, Dan B, secured a summer internship with his placement hosts, Datastor Systems.

CHS Employer Engagement Lead, Mrs Sadat-Shafai, commented:

"These work opportunities are invaluable for our students, who learn so much during their placement week. They develop skills that they are able to use later in life and the experience does make them far more understanding of the world beyond the school gates and the pressures that they will be under after they leave us.

"Our work placements are also a great link with local, regional and national organisations, who are always so supportive of us and work with us to help provide the most useful and effective opportunities for our students. I would like to thank all of our business partners who have enabled our young people to be able to learn so much in such a short space of time. We are always keen to hear from any organisations that would be able to offer a work placement opportunity to one of our students."

We would like to thank the following organisations for all their help and support with our 2023 Work Placement programme: