Paul has always been ambitious and his work experience journey only highlights how committed he is to learning more about the world of work.
Paul is a student at Bridge College, our specialist education setting for students with learning difficulties, disabilities, complex health needs and autism.
As part of the curriculum, students can access Careers Education which introduces them to the realities of work: they can do interviews, practice their skills and access work experience in the community.
Paul has been able to secure not one, not two, but three placements!
His work experience journey started at the National Football Museum in Manchester where he has been working as an exhibition volunteer presenting facts about the objects on display in the museum. He was next able to start working in the museum café helping out with cleaning and serving. And finally, his third placement started at the National Cycling Centre’s Velodrome in Manchester where he does a full rotation of tasks: from working on reception, helping with bikes, and welcoming guests.
Building lifelong skills
Work experience is a key part of our curriculum at Bridge College. Our disabled students are supported to access the world of work through a variety of placements: from internal ones in our Cafe, to external ones in theatres, leisure centres or charity shops.
Our Careers and Employability team work very hard to find work experience programmes that suit the student’s skills, match their interests, and pushes them out of their comfort zones to try new things.
Lisa Crooks, Careers Coordinator says “When we’re looking for employers, we’re also seeking whether they are disability confident, and if they’re not or they’ve not had an opportunity to work with a student with special needs, we offer them plenty of support and training.
Are you – or do you know – a business that can offer a work experience placement for a young person with SEND (special educational needs and disabilities)?
Become one of our amazing work placement partners and support a young person to thrive in the workplace.
