Greenbank College learners are encouraged as part of their course to work towards completing a relevant 6 week work placement.

The College Placement Officer has contact with a wide range of local employers including the St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Ronald McDonald House, Riverside and National Museums Liverpool as well as small independent businesses such as Hollywood Jems. The Placement Officer works with the learners to find the most suitable placement.

Learners find the experience provided really useful. Here is what some of them have to say:

Liam’s Story

My first placement was at Crawford House for 6 weeks and I am now volunteering in the Fundraising Department at Whiston Hospital.

At first, going on placement was quite daunting but once I felt comfortable with my duties I began to feel more confident. The hands on experience has been essential in my development.

I’d recommend for anyone to go on placement as it is an opportunity to advertise yourself and build your CV. You can get yourself a foot in the door which could lead to paid employment.

Liam Joinson
Level 2 Certificate in Customer Service

Dawn’s Story

I’m currently studying Level 1 in Hairdressing and Barbering.

I’m on placement at Ronald McDonald House where myself and other learners from Salon HQ offer a styling service to the residents.

It’s really rewarding because I get to help the parents of sick children and it gives me an insight into what the Hospital / organisation does. We don’t have a large client base at Salon HQ, so it gives me the experience and confidence working with a real client rather than a dolls head.

Going on a placement gives you the real life experience and a feel of how it would be working within your chosen industry.

Dawn Sexton
Level 1 in Hairdressing and Barbering

Kimberley’s Story

I’m currently studying Certificate in Art, Design and Creative Studies (Fashion), Level 2 Certificate in Creative Techniques (Textiles) and Functional Skills qualification in English at Level 2.

I am on placement at a small charity shop run by Barnardo’s called Take 2. I make sure that the floor is kept clean, work on the till, colour co-ordinate clothes rails and help prepare stock to be put on display.

The placement has been a great experience – it has given me a lot of confidence as I have been given many responsibilities.

The experience and skills that you can gain from going on placement is invaluable. It helps prepare you to enter the real world of employment.

Kimberley Samat
Certificate in Art, Design and Creative Studies (Fashion), Level 2 Certificate in Creative Techniques (Textiles) and Functional Skills qualification in English at Level 2

Nasser’s Story

My experience at Riverside was amazing; it made me understand the practical side of customer service as well as the theory. It has really built my confidence to deal with customers face to face.

I would highly recommend going on placement as a way of understanding how your qualification can be applied to the world of work.

Nasser Baqutai
Currently studying Level 3 Certificate in Business Administration and Functional Skills English Level 2, completed Certificate Customer Service Level 2 March 2012

Elham’s Story

I am on placement at Crawford House working on reception ensuring that visitors sign in and out. I also help at the Online Centre assisting learners using computers.

The experience has been enjoyable and it’s helped boost my confidence.

I’d recommend going on placement as you gain good experience in the work place.

Elham Khalil
Certificate in Customer Service Level 2 and Block and Transfer Printing and Fabric Manipulation.

If you are an employer who wishes to offer work placements to our learners, please contact the Work Placement Officer on 0151 733 7255 or email thomas.waddell@greenbank-project.org.uk

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