Students join council for experience week

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today

A GROUP of students from Reading had a taste of the world of employment as part of a work experience week.

Nine youngsters from King’s Academy Prospect and John Madejski Academy paid a visit to Reading Borough Council.

The students were given a general introduction to the council and its services before getting a taste of working for local government. They spent time with a number of different departments including transport, communications, planning, public protection, project management, and health and wellbeing.

The scheme also provides experience with interviews and CVs, as well as career coaching.

The council says that the scheme will be part of an “ongoing commitment to working with local schools.”

It is currently piloting a scheme which will see work experience sessions for three weeks of the year in collaboration with secondary schools.

Gary, 15 and from JMA, said: “It’s been wonderful and inspirational shadowing

Council staff and seeing what they get up to in their day-today life.

“I have learned all kinds of things ranging from health and safety to how the council communicates with the public. This has opened my eyes to a lot of career options.”

Cllr Liz Terry, Reading’s lead councillor for corporate services and resources, said: “It is fitting we have our students in during National Apprenticeships Week – which is an opportunity for the education and skills sector to celebrate the achievements of apprentices around the country.

She continued: “I’m delighted that as a Council we can provide such valuable work experience opportunities to young people.

“To give them a taster of the work environment, and hopefully, inspire them to consider apprenticeships with the Council as a future career path option.”

“I hope our current group has enjoyed their time with us and leave us with a greater understanding of how local government works to serve the people of Reading and an appreciation of the wide range of job opportunities within this sector.” n More information about work experience with Reading Borough Council is available via: reading. gov.uk/work-for-the-council