Our students impress on work placements

YORKSHIRE: Students from Henshaws College in Harrogate are impressing employers as they prepare for adult life in a range of challenging and enjoyable work placements.

Students from Henshaws College in Harrogate are impressing employers as they prepare for adult life in a range of challenging and enjoyable work placements.

The students, who are all visually-impaired and have physical and learning difficulties, are on part time placements in a variety of roles in cafés, shops and companies throughout the district.

DJs Stephen Ball and Tom Parker are making waves once a week with their own live shows on Harrogate District Hospital radio. Stephen said: “Music is my passion and I love being on air. I want to get into radio when I leave Henshaws.”

Fellow student Jenny Whaley works every Thursday at the café run by the Women’s Royal Voluntary Service (WRVS) in Harrogate District Hospital. Jenny serves teas and coffees to customers, as well as clearing tables and loading the dishwasher.

A spokesperson for WRVS said: “Jenny’s a delight to have around. She’s always cheerful and loves chatting with the customers.”

Jenny said: “I really enjoy working at the café. I want to stay on after the placement ends.”

The work placements are designed to give students an insight into the world of work and form part of the Pre-Vocational skills strand of the highly-regarded curriculum at Henshaws. The other strands are Independence and Skills for Life. The College aims to enable its students to live as independently as possible when they leave, and its Buy a Brick appeal is raising funds towards the construction of fully-adapted residential accommodation for 22 young people.

Jane Robertson, Curriculum Manager at Henshaws, said: “Currently, our students follow vocational pathways including retail, hospitality, horticulture and administration. The work experience they gain from these placements is particularly valuable as it prepares them for supported employment and possible further training. They learn essential life skills, such as punctuality and how to conduct themselves in the workplace, and are also responsible for travel arrangements to work, just like anyone else. They leave feeling very much more confident of their own abilities.”

Placement Co-ordinator Denise Ruddock also stresses that it’s not just the students who benefit. She explained: “Employers can get a lot out of the placements too. Not only do they gain a very willing employee, they also get satisfaction from helping a local organisation – as well as an appreciation of the requirements of people with disabilities. I’d like to thank all the employers who have taken part in the scheme so far and would welcome any other local employers who want to come on board our placement scheme.”

If you are able to offer work placements to Henshaws students, please contact Denise Ruddock at Henshaws College on 01423 886 451 or denise.ruddock@henshaws.org.uk.