Highfield Students Step Out Into The World of Employment

Highfield Ely learners step out into the world of work thanks to the support of East Cambridgeshire businesses.

Highfield Ely enterprising pupils are now getting a taste of their futures through a new supported employment work experience programme.
4 student placements over a period of 6/8 weeks have been offered by care provider Vera James House, Natural Scenics in Soham and Ely’s Sue Ryder Charity Shop. Pupils aged 15 to 16, with additional needs, have been supported in their new work roles by Highfield Ely staff.
Paula Farrell, Highfield Ely’s Job Coach said “we are thankful for the encouragement and guidance our community partners and businesses have offered freely to our learners. Gaining this work experience in the local community is vital to our learner’s onward progression and opportunity to consider their future careers”.
Simon Bainbridge Executive Head at Highfield Academy said “we want to offer our learners a real taste of the wider world of work, to put their learning and skills to the test. We have created the new role here, our Job Coach, to help build relationships with new businesses and companies able to offer future supported work experience sessions”.
Next term businesses include Co-op Soham, Harry Specter Chocolates, Ely Museum and the PE Department at Ely College. Paula would welcome more businesses to contact her to offer more placements from
September 2017 working with 22 Highfield pupils, particularly in hair, beauty and retail. Business partners are encouraged to call Paula Farrell at Highfield Ely to discuss this vital work experience programme.