44 upper sixth students attended a fabulous variety of work experience placements in Leeds and beyond during the first week in December.
These placements are part of the programme of activities offered to students who join an employment tutor group during their final year at Notre Dame. Our exclusive employment tutorial programme is designed and delivered by our professionally qualified and experienced careers advisors, and was put in place to support those students who wish to progress into employment or apprenticeships after their studies with us, rather than going to university. We encourage them to attend a work experience placement as part of the process of preparing them for the world of work, to give them a taste of working life in a sector which interests them.
This year, a diverse range of placements were available, including many at high profile organisations such as Sky, Network Rail and Leeds City Council. Several students sampled a primary school environment, extending Notre Dame’s Catholic partnerships to St. Joseph’s in Hunslet and St. Mary’s in Middleton. Students whose skills and interests lay in the digital sector linked up with some of the fastest growing technological companies in Leeds such as Big Change, Integrated Skills and Planet Sport, placing themselves at the forefront of innovation in our city’s rapidly changing labour market. Some had a taste of the fast-paced worlds of hospitality and retail, while others were involved with creative companies such as the British Film Institute’s Film Academy, producing top-quality work which received an exclusive screening at The Hyde Park Picture House.
As you can see from the quotes below, employers were extremely impressed with our students’ willingness to get involved, to use their initiative when working independently, and their ability to collaborate brilliantly with colleagues.
Sky commented that students had been ‘enthusiastic, mature and used their initiative throughout’.
Express Bifolding Doors stated that both students had fitted in perfectly, asking many questions and showing a real interest in the company.
Mercedes Benz said that student Imogen Stocks ‘would be welcome back any time, has been very helpful and had an impressive attitude throughout’.
We’d like to thank our Work Experience Coordinator, who worked tirelessly to ensure these placements went ahead. It’s been a pleasure for our staff to visit students and see the positive impact the placements have had on them: it’s clear their confidence has been boosted and their skill sets enhanced, making them fantastic contenders for apprenticeship and employment opportunities in the future. Particular students of note were:
- Talia Monnickendam
- Byron Nouakolo
- Elliott Howard
- Charlotte Walters
- Katherine Town
- George Grubb
- Imogen Stocks
- Robert Hughes
Congratulations to our students for representing Notre Dame in such a positive, professional and mature manner.
If you are an employer who would like to offer work experience placements to Notre Dame students, please contact our Work Experience Coordinator using h.taylor@notredamecoll.ac.uk
Pictured are students Charlotte Walters, who was placed at Oulton Hall, and Jack Holden, who was placed with Leeds City Council.
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