Tommy is a Year 10 student from Regents Park Community College in Southampton
He was referred to the Supported Work Experience Programme by his school who wanted us to find him a placement to support his learning at school and increase his confidence.
During the initial meeting Tommy was confident and talked about how he would like to be a paramedic when he leaves school and expressed an interest in working in a customer facing role to help him learn valuable transferable skills for post 16 education.
He worked with a member of EBP South staff to identify some possible placements which would give him these opportunities.
Tommy was offered a placement as a hospitality assistant with Sodexo, who provide catering, facilities management and personal home services in 56 countries.
Tommy’s placement was part of the Sodexo catering team based at The Dock restaurant.
“Tommy has already proved himself to be a valuable team member, he is punctual, polite and hardworking and has fitted in with the team really well. Since starting his placement Tommy has been working in the restaurant and helped with keeping the kitchen and customer areas clean and tidy, restocking the kitchen and refrigerators, making hot beverages and food preparation.”
“From my first meeting I was really excited about finding a placement, it was really good to be supported at my interview by someone from EBP South.
I am really enjoying my placement, it has made me think differently about school, I really like being in a positive adult environment and it has helped me understand what working life is like. It’s hard work at times and at the end of the day I am tired but look forward to going back each week.”
“Since starting a work experience placement organised through EBP South, Tommy has shown a renewed outlook on education with a new motivation and focus to achieve within his studies in school. Tommy often talks to other pupils about how it has opened his eyes to opportunity outside of the classroom and now wants to achieve his potential in school.”