Why involve employers?
The Health & Social Care and Early Years department at Reading College have developed a strong work placement programme for their learners. Although there is a requirement on the course of them to compete some hours of work placement, the team decided they would increase this number of hours beyond the expected in order to allow the students to go further.
At the end of the academic year, all of the employers who provide the work placements are invited in for a celebratory lunch where staff and students give presentations of their reflections.
The feedback from learners indicates the level of development that wouldn't have occurred without this opportunity. What was abundantly clear was how they had experienced specific skills development in dealing with different individuals and confidence too. Upon entering the workplace again, this confidence and the new skills they've gained will prove invaluable. It enables them to pursue and reach their career goals successfully. Click any of the images below to view images of the students' reflections.