All for experience
From Councillor Ian Courts, Cabinet member for Economic Development and Regeneration on 14 August 2012
Solihull Council has helped young people prepare for the world of work by taking on five students from Solihull Sixth Form College.
Anna Chandrasehar, Ali Khan, Dinesh Jalaf, Nabeel Mirza & Samantha Galligan are all studying for a BTEC in Business Studies, and have gained valuable experience in various departments including business, procurement, finance, governance and education.
The work experience placements are part of a national scheme – Solihull Sixth Form’s Career Academy Programme. The Academy is chaired by the Chief Executive of Solihull Council, Mark Rogers, and is aimed at raising the aspirations of young people and developing key skills for future employment.
The internship takes place in the summer between the two years of a college course. Employers provide a six-week paid work placement, based on a standard working hour week in a real operating environment. The placement aims to encourage the students to use the skills and knowledge they have learned in college.
Anna Chandrasehar, aged 17, feels the work experience gained at the Council has been invaluable. Anna said: “I’ve really enjoyed my time here, the opportunity to work in Economic Development and Regeneration has been extremely beneficial to me, my confidence and communications skills have really improved in the six weeks.
For many students, the working lifestyle has helped change their expectations of the office environment, particularly for Anna. “I felt part of the team from day one; this experience will really help me in the future.”
Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Councillor Ian Courts said: “Encouraging the next generation of people is more important and urgent than ever and by sharing experience, we help to ensure they have the confidence, ambition and skills to succeed.
We hope that the internships have had an inspirational effect on the students, giving them a sense of the range of careers out there”
To find out more about this initiative or to get involved, please call Jon Lander on 0121 704 6920 or email jlander@solihull.gov.uk
For enquiries from members of the press and media only, please contact Alex Hemming on 0121 704 6136
Email: alex.hemming@solihull.gov.uk