Dawn Turner, Business Development Manager at Kirklees College, has been sharing her thoughts on the benefits of work placements for Kirklees College students:
Work placements are an incredibly valuable opportunity for students, particularly for those who may not yet have part-time work experience. In my opinion, they play a crucial role in helping young people develop practical skills that cannot always be learned in a classroom environment. Spending time in a real workplace allows students to understand how businesses operate, whilst also developing important employability skills such as communication, teamwork and professionalism.
From a student’s perspective, work placements can also make a significant difference when it comes to building a CV. Employers often seek candidates who can demonstrate workplace experience, even at an early stage in their careers. A work placement shows initiative and gives students examples they can talk about in interviews.
My own experiences of work experience
Personally, I completed a work placement at Topshop while I was at school, which helped me build confidence communicating with colleagues and customers and strengthened my teamwork skills. Later, while studying Travel and Tourism at Kirklees College, where I am now Business Development Manager, I also completed a placement at a hotel in Harrogate. This experience involved staying away from home and working across several departments, including housekeeping, catering and reception, helping me understand how different roles contribute to the success of a business.
Work placements also offer clear benefits to employers. Businesses can contribute to social value by supporting young people and helping them develop the skills needed for the future workforce. By investing time in students today, employers are helping to shape the workforce of tomorrow.
Celebrating our employers who continue to help Kirklees College
As part of National Apprenticeship Week, we brought together some of our key employer partners as part of an ‘Employer Thank You’ Dinner at Accu Stadium, the home of Huddersfield Town FC. The main aim of the event was to celebrate and acknowledge some of the fantastic employers who have supported our apprentices and students on work placements over the last twelve months.
Our employer survey has also given employers the opportunity to share their feedback on working with the college, with one local organisation saying: “They are great at adapting to meet the needs of our business. They are really good with comms and always contactable at any time. They have excellent facilities and accommodation to make the learner experience as good as possible.”
What’s next for you and your business?
Email Dawn and arrange a chat to start your journey in creating more career-enhancing opportunities for our students. You can also connect with the Kirklees College Business Development Team on LinkedIn to discover a range of opportunities.
