The Academy helped students to get work placements with a range of local employers, including the local police services and the Royal Portbury Docks.
Principal Julie Winterman said: “Work experience is an important part of education because it allows students to develop essential life skills, such as good teamwork and communication that they can logically transfer to the world of work.
Here at Brightstowe, we work hard to ensure that students are prepared for life outside of the Academy, not only through initiatives such as Work Experience week but also through access to careers advice and visits to local colleges and universities.”
Case Studies:
Deakon Richards spent his week with the Bristol Port Company, based at the Royal Portbury Dock Estate. He was on the maintenance crew, who manage the entire infrastructure of the 2500 acre dock site.
The maintenance crew manages the lock gates which are currently being lifted and shipped to the Netherlands for repairs, as part of a long term maintenance program. The gates are huge and it takes a team of specialists to lift them so it was a big job!
Deakon also got to spend some time with the ‘new power’ generation team who are looking at ways to utilise green technology by expanding the three on-site windmills in the near future.
Deakon enjoyed himself so much at the Bristol Port Company that he intends to apply for an apprenticeship when he leaves Oasis Academy Brightstowe.
John Holmes spent a thoroughly enjoyable week at the Gloucester & Somerset Police Workshop where marked and un-marked police cars are repaired after high speed chases, along with the normal servicing and small repairs.
The workshop is the largest in the country and is extremely well fitted out. John got to assist the mechanics and maintain and wash clean the cars. He even got to accompany his mentor on vehicle test drives.
Mason Kiernon spent his work experience week with DHL Freight in Avon, who specialise in delivering commercial parcels and pallet loads of products.
Mason spent time in the office and two days out on the road in a 7 tonne lorry and then an articulated truck. DHL kindly provided his lunch and due to the destinations he was travelling to, he had to be in very early some days and later on others.
Mason said that he had enjoyed his experience more than he thought he would.
Adam Jones worked for Matthias & Sons Corporate Clothing and workwear specialists based in Avonmouth, who supply uniforms to companies around the world.
-ENDS-
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