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What is Work Placement?
Work Experience is a great opportunity to learn about a job or area of work. You will use skills that you might not even know you have and develop new skills that will help you work better with other people now and in the future. Most employers also take on work placement individuals for permanent roles if they impress on placement.

Recent interviews with businesses tell us that employers want to recruit students who are “work-ready”. The best way to gain these vital employability skills is by gaining meaningful and rewarding experience in the workplace.

What have our former students said?

“I went on placement with SP Energy Networks and had the chance to travel across the UK during the week shadowing workers. I learnt so much!”. Megan Level 3 Business Student

“I have been working in a care home shadowing staff, learning how best to develop my skills to go into the care sector” Cerys Level 3 Health and Social Student

Why is work experience important?
A recent survey showed two thirds of employers look for graduates with relevant work experience because it helps them prepare for work and develop general business awareness. Importantly, one third of employers felt that applicants did not have a satisfactory level of knowledge about their chosen career or job.

Work experience will help you gain a better understanding of a career and allow you time to develop job specific skills and give you a clear insight in the work involved.

Meet our Work Placement Officers
Here at college, we have an experienced team of placement officers with a wide range of industry experience who can support you in finding your placement and while out on placement. You can message them on Teams or see alternative contact details below.

Emma Caldwell

My name is Emma Caldwell, I look after Early Years & Education, Business and IT. My background is within the Early Years and Education sector and now I am happy to be able to support those in making the next steps for their careers with work placement opportunities, just like I had. If there is anything you’d like to ask about Work Experience please pop and see me, I’ll always greet you with a smile! Contact me –Emma.Caldwell@riversidecollege.ac.uk

 

Abbie Edmonds

My name is Abbie Edmonds, and I am the work placement officer for Health and Social care (Riverside and Cronton), Hair and Beauty and Catering and Hospitality. I have my degree in Health and Social care and have worked in different sectors, including nurseries, metal health sector and hospitals. Contact me – Abbie.Edmonds@riversidecollege.ac.uk

 

Jayne Barnes

My name is Jayne Barnes and I am the work placement officer for Construction. With a wealth of experience in student services and interaction , I am here to support you every step of the way throughout your placement journey. Whether you’re preparing for interviews, exploring opportunities, or navigating challenges during your placement. I am always ready and willing to offer guidance, advice, and encouragement. Your success is important to me, and I am committed to helping you make the most of your experience.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out – I’m here to help! Contact me – Jayne.Barnes@riversidecollege.ac.uk

 

Erin Story

My name is Erin Story, and I am the Work Placement Officer for Engineering (Kingsway), Motor Vehicle & Motorsport, Sport, and Public Services. I hold a degree in Psychology and have experience across a range of sectors, enabling me to support students in sourcing suitable work placements, preparing for interviews, and providing ongoing guidance throughout their placement. I am passionate about helping students gain valuable work experience and develop the skills they need for life after college. If you would like support or advice, please feel free to contact me at Erin.Story@riversidecollege.ac.uk.