#TeamWigan is creating opportunities for young people through the delivery of high quality industry placements
Wigan Council has been offering vital industry placement opportunities to students studying T Level qualifications. Students studying health, construction and digital have already secured excellent opportunities with #TeamWigan. The council’s ambition is to offer further industry placements for management and administration students.
Wigan Council’s employment pathways team has been taking an active lead in the planning and coordination of T Level industry placements, while supporting managers through this process. Louise Higham and her team have created the guide ‘Supporting student placements’ which includes advice about creating a positive and engaging experience throughout the entire industry placement; from interview and induction to providing ongoing support until the end of a placement. The guide has drawn upon the LGA’s T Level toolkit, but provides further guidance on Wigan’s local approach.
Creating a guide for colleagues to support student placements is vital to building the confidence of staff to offer young people the best possible placement experience. Our hope is that students encounter a workplace that they want to become part of. Developing Wigan’s talent pipeline is a key priority for the council. The Deal 2030 (the council’s strategy) and our community wealth building strategy promise a good job in the borough for all. Supporting student placements offers us the chance to highlight opportunities available as part of #TeamWigan, including graduate positions and a range of apprenticeships. We also benefit from student placements as young people often bring different ideas, skills, and knowledge which we all benefit from.
Louise Higham, OD Business Partner – Employment Pathways
In the council’s people directorate, Wigan Central Day Centre is proactive and recognise that work experiences and placements help students to gain valuable practical skills and decide on the right job role in the future. Staff believe in offering opportunities to young adults, and experience at the council’s day centres provide a greater insight of what we offer to older people. Students are empowered to build relationships, improve self-confidence and independence.
We have seen some lovely success stories over the years, but what is great to see is that they leave their placement with a smile on their face. We currently have a student, who from day one has the necessary skills to become a support worker. Her welcoming and calming approach towards our older ladies and gents have not gone unnoticed. She partakes in many centre activities and recognises why older people’s services are essential to both customer and carer.
Anthony Worrall, Establishment Manager – Central Day Centre