College link-up gets students vital work experience

A PARTNERSHIP has been formed between Stratford College and Northamptonshire-based Proactive Education to secure work experience placements and apprenticeship opportunities for all full-time students.

Samantha Fitzgerald, Jane Trevellick and Nick Brosnan from Proactive Education will be based in the College Job Pod three days a week.

They will run a drop-in service every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, offering future skills and employment advice to all students, and sharing the vital work-readiness skills sought after by employers.

Samantha said: “The team has over ten years’ experience in education and training delivery and we are currently in the process of recruiting companies in the Stratford area who are keen to offer placements.

“Our aim is to deliver work experience for every student; we act as a single point of contact, ensuring that the whole process runs smoothly and that the needs of both student and employer are met.”

Stevie Edmund-Jones, head of employer engagement at the college, added: “This innovative partnership will be of enormous help to our learners and local businesses alike.

“Both parties will benefit greatly from Proactive Education’s expertise in setting up suitable work experience and apprenticeship placements: our learners will be able to receive impartial employment advice and gain invaluable work-based training, whilst employers will be able to expand their workforce in a cost-efficient manner and ensure it is fully skilled.”

Samantha and Nick are also happy to welcome non-college students into the campus to provide employment advice to the general public.

Anyone considering a change in vocation, or feel they would benefit from impartial guidance on career opportunities, are welcome to get in touch at the Job Pod or by e-mailing workexperience@stratford.ac.uk