Short testimonials outlining the positive experience employers have had with a student on a work experience placement.
About the employer - De Vere Hotels is a collection of country estate hotels and modern exec centres across the UK.
"I found the experience very worthwhile and a great opportunity for me to have an insight in the industry. It has helped me with my career choices, I now know for sure that working in the travel and tourism industry is something I want to pursue.
After the week at the De Vere Hotel I was offered a job, and I have now been working at this hotel as a food and beverage assistant part time since January. I found the whole experience exciting and a great opportunity."
Level 3 Travel and Tourism and Student — Charlotte Phelps
Level 3 Travel and Tourism student, Charlotte Phelps has successfully completed her work placement at the De Vere East Midlands Conference Centre and Orchard Hotel.
Charlotte Phelps — Level 3 Travel and Tourism Student
"Charlotte joined us to complete work experience and took to working in the hotel like a fish to water. During her few days on our hotel reception and in the restaurant she displayed an outstanding attitude and willingness to learn and on the second day in the restaurant ended up working alongside much more experienced team members and was able to keep up with them. By the end of the week we offered her the opportunity to come and work for us whenever she wanted to and to our delight Charlotte accepted the offer and now is part of the hotel Food and Beverage team. I believe if Charlotte works with the same attitude she will be very successful in whatever industry she chooses to go in."
Jennifer Hutchings
About the employer - Deltek’s Nottingham office is based at Union Square, The Triangle on the NG2 Business Park. Since Deltek’s founding in 1983, the company has been developing software for project-focused organisations in the industries of government contracting, government agency, aerospace and defence, architecture and engineering, professional services, manufacturing, marketing and PR.
Matt Santalovs, aged 17, has just completed the first year of his Level 3 Extended Diploma in IT at our Maid Marian Way campus. He has recently undertaken a work experience placement with Deltek.
Deltek offer products that provide solutions in the areas of accounting, billing, resource planning, budgeting and control, business intelligence, customer relationship management (CRM) and proposal automation, employee time and expense, human resources management, procurement and materials management, project portfolio management, risk management, and earned value management.
Ashley Smith, Senior Software Developer at Deltek was full of praise for Matt, as he explained:
"Matt had a strong week at Deltek and I hope he got a lot out of it. From the first day, he was really engaged and showed a keen interest in what we do at Deltek. His confidence grew throughout the week and he asked lots of questions which is a quality I always look for in a work experience student. He was always punctual, he presented himself well and communicated well which are some of the basic skills all employers will be looking for so that was good to see.
Matt was a pleasure to supervise during the week. I actually had a few chaotic days in terms of being bombarded with issues during the week that I needed to address which meant Matt had a bit more independent work time than we would normally expect, however he took this in his stride and cracked on, as if he was one of our full-time developers.
We offer apprenticeships from time to time and if Matt is willing, available and we have an apprenticeship available then I would highly recommend he come and experience that at Deltek."
Ashley Smith — Senior Developer at Deltek
Commenting on the success of the placement, Ashley said, “This placement has certainly helped with our social and corporate responsibilities. We get ourselves involved in work experience programs to help young students help understand the worlds of work and software.”
“I would say the experience has improved our understanding of how to introduce 16 to 18-year olds into the workplace. We don’t often have students in Matt’s age range, as we normally deal with 14 to 15-year olds. Matt is the third college-age student we have had in the last three years, so whenever we do get an older student it helps us understand more about what we need to do and change to our program for those that are older.”
“Our overall experience of working with the College has been really positive. Nottingham College is probably the best educational institute we have worked with for communication so I would like to thank Stephen for that.”
“We would 100% be interested in working with Nottingham College again in future.”
About the employer - Impression are a multi-award winning digital marketing agency, with offices in Nottingham and London. They work with clients as diverse as Thornton’s, Telefonica, Experian and Robin Hood Energy to grow and engage their online audiences.
wo of our students, Teeru Sundaragiri and Ismael Akhtar recently completed their work placements at Impression’s Nottingham city centre site.
Teeru (aged 16) and Ismael (18) are both studying towards their Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in IT at our Maid Marian Way campus.
Chloe Fair, SEO Strategist at Impression set out the company’s approach towards their work experience program, saying
"We are striving to bridge the marketing skills gap in the next generation. By offering students a week’s work experience at Impression, we are not only showing them the world of work in an agency but also giving them an introduction to digital marketing and the creative industries.
This is also in line with our aims of improving retention in Nottingham by giving students and teachers the opportunity to learn about what businesses and potential career paths are available in Nottingham.
We have a work experience programme which we have created due to having over ten work experience students over the past couple of years. The programme allows us to tailor the week to the particular student’s interests so we learn something new every time we have a student in."
Chloe Fair — SEO Strategist at Impression
Impression was first registered in November 2012 by their founders Tom Craig and Aaron Dicks.
Teeru and Ismael were both working on a couple of our current clients, helping us to come up with new content ideas and conducting keyword and competitor research to back up their campaigns. We also have a better understanding of which tasks are suitable for college students and can improve these for future students.”
One of the great incentives for employers to come on board as partners for work experience is the opportunity to give staff line management responsibilities, as Chloe details, “Additionally, by having the students in for a week we are able to give a mentoring opportunity to a member of the Impression team who may not have had experience doing this before. This is great for many reasons as it gives experience and responsibility to analysts and executives at Impression, but also is great for the work experience students tohave a peer mentor.”
With regards to the relationship established between the College and Impression, Chloe commented, “We have enjoyed working with Stephen to arrange the work experience week for Teeru and Ismael and are pleased that we now have a good, established relationship with Nottingham College. We are looking forward to inviting two more students into the office in October and hope to work with Nottingham College on our ‘Creative Industries Workshop’ too.”
Feedback on the students has been very strong, and encouraging for the future, “Teeru was confident enough to ask for help from her first day. She answered each question in depth and asked for feedback on the task in order to improve. Her understanding of digital terminology greatly increased over the week and she very nearly completed the Digital Garage qualification on her first try, which is something to be proud of. One area that Teeru was keen to improve upon was her teamwork skills. Ismael was a great partner for Teeru to work with, as they learnt from each other and offered suggestions to improve each other’s work. We were glad to see Teeru make the most of the experience and hope that she will continue to progress during the next stage of her education.”
“Ismael arrived early every day to work on his Digital Garage qualification before his daily tasks, showing his dedication to learn and improve. He almost completed the Digital Garage qualification on his first try and asked for further Google qualifications that he could complete over the summer. Over the duration of the week, his confidence grew as he began asking questions and suggesting extra tasks he could get on with. We were very impressed with both Ismael’s professional and personal development and hope that he carries these skills through to the next stage of his education.” Reflecting on the progress of the students over the duration of the placements, “By the end of the week, Ismael and Teeru both understood the different departments within the business and were completing tasks that our Analysts carry out every day. They came up with some great blog post ideas, conducted keyword research and identified Impression’s main competitors. They also completed Google’s Digital Garage and are going to do the final quiz over summer.”
Teeru was extremely positive and enthusiastic about her experience, as she explained, “The placement has definitely opened my eyes to a new path that I feel I can pursue and succeed at. I had a good time learning new things with some amazing people who were very helpful such as my guide Sophie, who really helped eased all of my doubts and answered all of my questions.”
“Working in partnership with my colleague Ismael was great and allowed me to highlight that I work well in a team. We have worked really well together over the course of the placement, sharing ideas and writing blogs together.”
“I had a great time learning all about the field of digital marketing, which was brand new to me at first. It was a challenge in some areas, such as when learning about PPC (pay per click). However, with the appropriate assistance and guidance I was able to feel confident in by the end of the week.”
“It was an amazing experience that I know is going to be very useful in the future.”
Assessing the overall success of the project, Chloe reflects, “We were very impressed with the standard of their work and their time management skills. They now have a basic understanding of SEO and PPC and we wish them all the best for the future!”
About the employer - Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains is a Formula One engine manufacturer, owned by Mercedes-Benz.
Mercedes-AMG-HPP has been a great placement and such a great experience as it gave me the opportunity to get a real insight into the depth of engineering. The team was supportive and helpful. They made me feel like I was part of the team.
Level 2 Diploma in Performing Engineering Operations student — Sujan Bhusal
The 2018/19 academic year saw Nottingham College team up with Mercedes – AMG-HPP to launch a ‘Student of the Year’ award scheme for its engineering students. The scheme is aimed at inspiring engineers of the future, with Mercedes-AMG-HPP working alongside colleges throughout the UK to encourage and inspire students to be successful in their studies.
The scheme is open to all students on relevant full-time engineering courses, who can demonstrate reliability and commitment throughout the duration of their course, plus timely submission of their coursework. Successful students also have to demonstrate a keen interest and curiosity in engineering and be extremely self-motivated, and winners are chosen via year-round assessments.
The inaugural winner was Sujan Bhusal, aged 18, who has been studying towards a Level 2 Diploma in Performing Engineering Operations at the Highfields Campus.
As part of Sujan’s prize, he was offered a week of work experience with Mercedes
in Brixworth, where he chose to work in the manufacturing area of the company.
Helen Brookes, Learning & Development Coordinator at Mercedes-AMG-HPP commented, “Sujan fitted in to the business from the word go. He rotated around six different areas of the manufacturing areas working in Small Complex Parts through to Quality Inspection. When Sujan didn’t feel an area was challenging him enough he would ask for something different to do, or move around to shadow elsewhere.”
“Sujan effectively contributed to our business operations as he was lucky enough work alongside full time machinists, able to ask questions and experience the business in a busy week as they headed towards Race Weekend in France but also prepping for the following grand prix in Austria.”
“We are always looking for Engineers of the future,” says Helen. “Work experience gives students the opportunity to experience industry and showcase their skills in what is effectively a week long interview. It allows us to assess the skills & talent of students engineering ability when leaving college and decide what our future career programmes need to look like to fill any skills gaps needed for them to become work ready with us.”
Sujan remarked, “Mercedes-AMG-HPP has been a great placement and such a great experience as it gave me the opportunity to get a real insight into the depth of engineering.”
“The team was supportive and helpful. They made me feel like I was part of the team. Five days in the workplace flew by, as I learned lots of new information. have developed key practical skills that will be invaluable in future practice.”
“I feel really privileged to have worked with such inspiring and hardworking people.” Sujan plans to continue in Higher Education at Nottingham College going forward, with the long-term goal of a career in the manufacturing area of aerospace engineering.
Mercedes were so impressed with Sujan’s attention to detail, ability to learn and the quality of work he produced that they have invited him to a formal interview for an Apprenticeship as a CNC Machinist Apprentice with Mercedes-AMG-HPP for their September 2020 intake.
Further to this, due to the high calibre of the presentations at the Student of the Year event, Mercedes-AMG-HPP have offered a second Nottingham College student a week’s work experience in their electronics department, who will be starting with them in August 2019.
About the employer - Q hairdressing is in the heart of the Creative Quarter a vibrant area of the lace market, Hockley in Nottingham. They aim to deliver a level of service found nowhere else in the area and push the boundaries of hairdressing with their beautiful products, exceptional service and dedication to their client's well-being.
I have learnt a lot more on this placement than my Level 2 placement, it has been great to have models and expand my hairdressing skills. I have been able to take the technical back into college to support my learning.
Level 3 Hairdressing student — Evie
Evie has been attending Work Placement as part of her Level 3 in Hairdressing course since January 2023. They have also supported a Barbering student with some work placement hours.
Owners Aana and Mark have been delighted to be involved in supporting students again after a long break.
We were really pleased that Cheryl from the Work Placement Team came to visit. We hope to continue this relationship and support further students. it is vital for them to gain a real-world salon environment and supports our future recruitment needs.
Evie has been a delight to support, she always has a smile and has good communication skills. We have been booking models for her and has been great to see her progression.
Joy who has been a regular customer at the salon for over 15 years said, Evie has been blow drying my hair for the last few visits, she is excellent and has a good understanding of my hair and how to adapt her techniques as well as excellent communication.
Aana and Mark — Owners of Q Hairdressing, Nottingham
Evie has been through thorough with her consultation for my highlights, listened to my needs and is very professional
Lucia — Model for Evie
About the employer - SMS Electronics work behind the scenes with partners such as TrainFX and Ramtech to fulfil their electronics manufacture needs. SMS has had its headquarters in Nottingham, UK, for almost 100 years.
It was helpful to be in a real world working environment and getting to know the people that worked there was nice. It helped improve my skill set in terms of interacting with others. It definitely gave me more confidence and helped improve my interpersonal skills.
Level 3 Extended Diploma in Engineering — Olivia Cox
SMS Electronics in Beeston houses state of the art manufacturing equipment within a 10km2 workshop.
Olivia Cox, aged 18, has just completed the first year of her Level 3 Extended Diploma in Engineering at our Highfields campus.
She has recently undertaken an extended work experience placement with SMS Electronics in Beeston, who work behind the scenes with partners such as TrainFX and Ramtech to fulfil their electronics manufacture needs. SMS has had its headquarters in Nottingham, UK, for almost 100 years.
Olivia found the experience worthwhile, as she explained, “It was helpful to be in a real world working environment and getting to know the people that worked there was nice.”
“It helped improve my skill set in terms of interacting with others. It definitely gave me more confidence and helped improve my interpersonal skills. It also helped me progress organisational skills such as time management.”
“I was constantly learning new information, such as how to use different machines and assemble items. It has helped me to understand what a working day in my future might look like.”
Fola Oluwaremi, HR and Training Administrator at SMS felt that that the experience was positive, commenting, “The students placed with us performed excellently and contributed well to our business operations.”
“From our perspective, we feel this placement helped with our social and corporate responsibilities and all students were given the opportunity to complete an evaluation of their work experience. All of them responded that they would recommend SMS to other students.”
“The experience has helped improve our understanding of how to introduce 16 to 18-year olds into the workplace. For example, we have now introduced a leaving pack for work experience students which includes their training certificates, a recommendation letter and Employer’s Assessment forms.”
“It’s been a pleasure having the students and we have enjoyed the opportunity to give them real world experience of the workplace. We also appreciate the feedback students have given us, which in turn will help us forge better ways forward for students coming to us for their work experience placements in future.”
“We have had a good experience working with Nottingham College and we would certainly be interested in carrying this forward to continue working with them going forward.”
Further to this, due to the high calibre of the presentations at the Student of the Year event, Mercedes-AMG-HPP have offered a second Nottingham College student a week’s work experience in their electronics department, who will be starting with them in August 2019.
About the employer - Crowne Plaza is a British multinational chain of full service, upscale hotels headquartered in the United Kingdom.
I felt my work experience was very beneficial to all involved, The Crowne Plaza, Nottingham and myself and it provided me with a character building opportunity that allowed me to gain new skills and a new experience within the hotel industry.
Dom Griffiths — Level 3 Travel and Tourism Student
After a successful placement at The Crowne Plaza Hotel, Level 3 Travel and Tourism student Dom Griffiths has been offered a part time role alongside his studies at Nottingham College.
Dom completed his work experience with the reception and front of house teams at the Nottingham Hotel and his work-ethic, customer service skills and attention to detail were quickly recognised.
Dom was one of many students who have completed their work experience at the hotel this year. HR Manager, Julie Oliver explains how the placements have improved the organisations understanding of how to introduce 16 – 18 year olds into the work place.
We often ask for feedback from the young people we work with to ensure we remain the sort of employer that attracts young people into the hospitality industry
The students have a fresh perspective and some have a real eye for details and have a significant impact on our business operations, the opportunity to work with Nottingham College allows us to add value to the existing economy by supporting young local people in a smoother transition from education to employment.
Julie Oliver — HR Manager
About the employer - Trentbarton operates both local and regional bus services in Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Staffordshire, England. It is a subsidiary of the Wellglade Group.
The placement was very interesting, and it was a treat to learn from the experiences of so many of the staff at the depot
Level 2 Certificate in Motorcycle Maintenance and Repair Principles student — Euan Ketteringham
The College enjoys a strong relationship with Trent Barton, one of the major bus operators in the East Midlands. Trent Barton have been a strong supporter of our work experience scheme for several years now and the 2018/19 academic year has continued this theme, with Trent Barton placing several of our automotive students.
The company operate a fleet of modern low-floor vehicles and as of June 2017, the fleet consisted of 256 buses and 13 coaches. Trent Barton operates out of depots in Derby, Langley Mill, Nottingham and Sutton in Ashfield with outstations in Ashbourne, Belper, Matlock and Uttoxeter.
Euan Ketteringham, aged 19, is studying for his Level 2 Certificate in Motorcycle Maintenance and Repair Principles at our London Road campus, and recently completed a week’s placement at the Nottingham depot, on Manvers Street in the city centre.
Euan has been pleased to learn that Trent Barton have invited him to apply for their apprenticeship scheme and extended the offer of part time work over the summer. Harold Rose, Area Engineering Manager, said, “The students that we have had have enjoyed themselves and they have been very surprised in the day to day operations of maintaining a fleet of buses daily, along with the amount of work and planning that goes into it.”
“All students that have spent time with us at our Nottingham depo have contributed to our business operations and from an employer perspective, we feel these placements helped with our social and corporate responsibilities. There’s no doubt that I learned a lot myself, with new possible candidates for engineering in the future. “
“It has certainly improved our understanding of how to introduce 16 to 18 year olds into the workplace and our experience of working with the College has been trouble free, with no issues at all. We always find ease in contacting the college should we need assistance.”
“All students have been made very welcome and have fully understood the health and safety rules within in the workshop. All students that have spent time with us have shown interest, which is refreshing to see. We would most certainly be interested in working with Nottingham
College again in future.”
Carl Yeaman, Director of Engineering, added, “I believe this to be a very effective and useful way for Trent Barton to participate and demonstrate our social and corporate responsibilities and one we will continue to use and develop with the educational system. If we can continue to engage with the younger generation and demonstrate to them this is their local bus company and service we hope this will hit a cord and either encourage them to value the service or want
to work for us.”
“These placements have helped us to build a structure and a process within Trent Barton, where we can engage with the younger generation offer a working environment and look to help the recruitment of people that fit the job.”
Plans to continue and expand the work experience program with Trent Barton into the 2019/20 academic year are already in motion, as Carl explains, “We would like to be able to visit your facilities to understand where the students are coming from and the path they are on.”
“We like to view [the college] as a partner with us. If possible I would welcome any mentor training you could offer for some of our engineers, so that we can improve on the experience given, but also develop our own staff.”
“The contact I have had with the College’s work experience team has been succinct and effective. The reports I have received from our engineering managers on the students who attended our workshops has been very positive, in the way that they actually showed more
promise than some of our current apprentices.
