Kirklees College has successfully partnered with Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing to offer young people the chance to gain real life work experience through its extensive industry placement programme.
Kirklees College has worked with a range of local employers, from sole traders to larger organisations, to provide its students with high-quality placements. One such employer is Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing, who manage approximately 22,000 homes on behalf of Kirklees Council. The organisation actively recruits new apprentices each year in a variety of areas.
Students were given the opportunity to apply for a variety of placements. After completing the recruitment process, submitting application forms and attending formal interviews, 11 students successfully secured a 6-month placement at Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing. After impressing colleagues with their talent and dedication, students were encouraged to apply for its apprenticeship scheme, with several being offered a role within the organisation.
David Brook, Head of Operations at Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing, said:
“Hosting placements has provided us with the opportunity to influence future talent within the industry. Our successful partnership with Kirklees College has allowed us to develop our apprenticeship offer whilst enabling our staff to develop in areas such as coaching and mentoring. I would encourage any employer to support industry placements as it has allowed us to identify and nurture upcoming talent.”
Jude Flatley, Work Placement Manager at Kirklees College, added: “Working alongside Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing has enabled us to grow our placement programme to include extensive industry placements. It has been a rewarding experience for everyone involved and has allowed our students to receive valuable employability experience and gain skills that will prove beneficial in supporting them to progress in their chosen careers. We look forward to collaborating with Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing in the future.”
Funding is available to assist businesses who are concerned over any investment they may have to make to host a placement. For more information on the support available and how you can get involved with offering a placement with Kirklees College, please contact Alex Chappell, Employer Engagement Officer, on AChappell@kirkleescollege.ac.uk or 07866 794733.
