Bury College students were given the opportunity to experience working life in the industry of their choice through career-enhancing work experience placements.

Keen to develop the skills and knowledge needed to enter the world of work, over 300 A Level and Vocational students completed placements during a two week period. The Bury College Work Experience Hub matched students to complete work experience placements that would best suit their career aspirations.

The placements ranged from completing laboratory work at universities to carrying out office support at high profile law firms. Other institutions included pharmacies, engineering companies, chartered accountancies and banks.

Work experience is recognised as a vital element of all Bury College study programmes. These placements enhance learners employability skills which in turn adds great value to their CVs as well as a chance to improve confidence and communication skills.

A Level student Natalia Hodun secured a placement at The University of Manchester working in the laboratories at the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology. This was a highly unique opportunity for Natalia where she was given the opportunity to set-up and carry out industrial biotechnology experiments in a world famous institution.

During the five-day placement, 16-year-old Natalia from Bolton worked on a range of experiments and soaked up industry information and knowledge networking with scientists and researchers. Natalia’s work included setting up plates and examining how bacteria grew in different growth media. This experiment involved tracking the bacteria growth over 24 hours and analysing the end result.

The former Ladybridge High School pupil who is studying A Levels in Chemistry, Physics, Maths and Business said, “I would like to progress onto The University of Manchester to study Biochemistry so to do work experience somewhere which is renowned for its research practices is brilliant.”

Sandra Taylor, Senior Research Technician at The University of Manchester added, “Natalia worked brilliantly on her work experience placement and followed all the instructions very well. Work experience opportunities give young people the chance to try different industries which allows them to identify what they like. We would welcome Natalia back here for future placements.”

Bury College Engineering student Alieu Njai grabbed his work experience opportunity by two hands and directed himself to an automotive garage. 18 year old Alieu worked at National Tyres and Autocare in Bury where he repaired tyres and supported brakes and exhaust repairs. During the week Alieu, who is a former Ladybridge High School pupil, gained a range of employability skills including using his own initiative, working in a team and gaining theory knowledge of how to programme industry machinery.

Ashley Williams, Manager of the National Tyres and Autocare Bury garage said, “Alieu has been brilliant during his work experience, anything I have asked him to do he has done, which is a quality that I look for when hiring my own staff. Work experience is so valuable as it provides you with opportunity to gain hands-on experience.”

If there are any businesses who would like to offer work experience to Bury College students, please contact Louise Putland, Bury College Work Experience Placement Co-ordinator, on 0161 280 8430.