Work Experience & Careers
Sheiling College has a vocational programme, running alongside and integral to the individual study programme; the implementation of which is supported by the Work Experience Coordinator
Our aim over the 3 year programme is to provide each student with a range of transferable vocational skills which are specific to an individuals planned destination, skill set and aspirations.
Although work experience is student led and tailored to the individual, the following model is used as guidance:
Year 1
Students will participate in a range of on-site vocational activities and experiences, including gardening, milk and mail delivery, small animal care and basic maintenance.
Year 2
During the second year, the aim will be to provide a range of external taster sessions within the various work environments we have developed links with in our local community. Taster sessions could include tours of various business establishments, or participating in specific tasks for a short period of time at any number of our work experience providers. Examples of these work experience opportunities may include car washing, farm work, housekeeping or working in an office.
Year 3
From what we learn during the first two years through observations, feedback and further student voice and choice meetings, the third year should focus on more specific, individualised work placements which ultimately can be continued once they leave college.
The Sheiling Ringwood Work Experience Coordinator
Graduating from Bristol University, I have since worked in the SEND sector for 18 years, gaining experience in a variety of roles including; support worker, teaching assistant and as the manager of a residential house for young people.
I joined The Sheiling Ringwood in 2013 as a teaching assistant but, I subsequently moved into the work experience co-ordinator role. The role has continued to evolve based upon my experience and The Sheiling Ringwood Commitment to developing opportunities for our students.
I have engaged in continuous development, completing an NVQ 4 in Advice and Guidance and, in 2018, developed an accessible vocational profiling tool. I presented the tool to SEND colleges at the Natspec Conference, and it also features on the Natspec website.
At The Sheiling Ringwood we work closely with several professional bodies and organisations and these relationships help us to continually develop, to network and further allow me to be well-informed and up-to-date in all aspects of work experience for the benefit of our students.
Careers
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