Pioneering scheme run by Halesowen school hailed a success (From Halesowen News)

Pioneering scheme run by Halesowen school hailed a success

1:00pm Friday 15th June 2012 in Local

A PIONEERING scheme to boost job opportunities for students at a Halsesowen school has been hailed a success after its first year.

More than 40 Leasowes Community College have completed work-based internship placements with companies including Marks and Spencer, The Barber Institute of Fine Arts, Fundamental Fashions and Twylands Livery and Riding School.

The Year 11 students took on a variety of roles from gallery assistants to trainee finance administrators and many of them have been offered part time work to support them through college and additional training to help their future job chances.

Staff, students, parents and businesses celebrated the success at a presentation evening where those who took part received certificates and awards in recognition of their determination and hard work within the various businesses, as well as many students exceeding their academic targets. Best male intern of 2012 went to Reece Harper who received an outstanding reference from Redcliffe Catering where he was based for 12 months as a trainee chef.

Rebecca Morris was presented with a trophy for best female intern due to her excellent levels of contribution to Fundamental Fashions Ltd.

Amy Dawson received a public service award for completing her fire fighting qualification based with West Midlands Fire Service and Georgia Malcolm was given a trophy in recognition of her “amazing” increase in school attendance, which rose by 12 per cent over the year.

A three-course meal was provided by the college students studying at the Halesowen College Restaurant and they watched a screening of a DVD produced by Leasowes students explaining benefits of the programme.

Mentoring Services Manager, Chris Bennett said: “Our students at Leasowes have made us extremely proud of their achievements.

“The internship programme aims to equip young people with transferable work skills that can help them prepare for further education or work.

“We are extremely thankful to the businesses that have supported the programme and look forward to working with them again next year”.