Sport students get job ready with the help of local employers

The work experience was delivered in partnership with the Capacity Fund placement, which is a pilot programme devised by the government to allow students to complete a more robust and detailed work experience placement.

The sport and exercise sciences and sport development, coaching and fitness students have completed 315 hours on placement, working for a variety of local employers including local schools, gyms and leisure centres. These hours were embedded into their main programme of study and completed weekly starting from October Half Term, up until Easter. Whilst completing their hours, visits from a mentor at the college were be arranged, and each were allocated a mentor to guide them whilst working for their respective employers

The placements have helped the sport students to develop their confidence and knowledge of the real working environment across a variety of different sectors. They also expanded their communication skills, enthusiasm and energy, and the ability to work individually as well as part of a team.

Sean Ward, Sunderland College Sport & Public Services Curriculum Manager said:

“Sunderland College looks to provide students with aspirational, career focussed programmes of study which connects the young person with leading industry employers. The Capacity Fund allows students to develop skills and behaviours within a real working environment and has allowed further collaboration between the College and local employers within the industry. The students who have taken part have developed to a level where they are better prepared for what they are aspiring towards in the future.”

William Meddes BTEC Level 3 Sport (Development, Coaching and Fitness) student added:

“I have really enjoyed completing my work experience at Keep Active as it has enabled me to develop my skills and knowledge in an area that I want to work in. I have particularly enjoyed working with members of the public and seeing the different areas within a gym that I could potentially work in.”

Stephen Moody, Keep Active Employee and Mentor continued:

“Both Will and Kieron have been a great help around the gym in the past few months. Looking back on what they have learned while working with me in the gym, it seems like they have really adapted well to working in a very social environment. Their attitudes towards the job and confidence to approach members has really improved. I would highly recommend other employers to take the opportunity to have young students, just like Kieron and Will, take on work experience. They were so willing to learn new things and approached the placement with a fantastic attitude.”

Following from their work experience, some students have been offered the opportunity for paid work with their placement employers giving the students a great platform to gain further experience in the industry.