College students build skills with industry placements

Full-time students from Macclesfield College recently swapped the classroom for real work experience.

As part of the College’s annual Industry Week, more than 1000 students aged 16-18 completed a range of experience boosting activities and in line with their current study programme, many took up work placements with some of the region’s most recognised organisations.

Through the College’s exceptional links with employers, students were offered a number of opportunities and guided in sourcing their own work placements, giving them a real sense of what it is like to be a job seeker. Learners then spent a full working week alongside an industry mentor at their chosen company.

Brittany Hounslow who studies Level 1 Carpentry and Joinery at Macclesfield College said: “I split my week working for JD Davies & Sons and Maybin Construction. It was a great experience and I learnt a lot in just five days, having helped to install a staircase, kitchen and woodwork under roof tiling.

“I took photographs of the work I did throughout the week and presented it back to my course mates when I got back to the College. I’ve always been interested in design and woodwork and having the chance to gain practical skills is an amazing part of studying at Macclesfield College as the tutors always try their hardest to help us find work experience.”

Chantelle Dewberry, assistant principal for Vocational Curriculum at Macclesfield College, concluded: “It is our priority as a College to ensure that every student has the opportunity to gain as much real experience as possible. As well as improving students’ employability skills and making industry contacts, practical experience helps learners to narrow down their interests and focus their minds on what they really enjoy. We truly support our learners to build a purposeful future career.”

Other activities that took place during the Industry Week included expert enterprise and entrepreneurial sessions and visits from alumni students. Manchester Metropolitan University held innovation sessions and there were also notable guest speakers, including Nick Wester from Mercedes Benz to Motor Vehicle students and Radiographer Chris Walsh visited the science students.