Student Success Beyond the Classroom

At Stanmore College, work experience is more than a placement, it is a carefully supported journey that equips students with the confidence, professionalism and skills they need to thrive in the workplace.

Our approach to work experience goes far beyond securing placements. We believe meaningful work experience begins long before a student steps into their first workplace. Preparation is key.

This week, we were delighted to welcome Nora Holm from Youth Career (formerly Spark) to speak with students in preparation for their mid-term work experience. Her session focused on what to expect in a professional environment and how to make a strong first impression.

For many students, work experience is their first step into the world of employment. An exciting but sometimes daunting milestone. That is why we make it a point to equip them with technical knowledge, awareness of professional behaviours, and working habits that employers value in an employee.

During the session, students explored:

• Professional etiquette and communication
• Workplace expectations and conduct
• Timekeeping and reliability
• Confidence and self-presentation
• Understanding organisational culture

These sessions help students with their confidence levels, encouraging them to represent themselves, and the College, with professionalism and readiness.

Our mission is to help each student grow in confidence, develop valuable skills, and feel fully prepared for their next steps. Strong partnerships with employers and organisations such as Youth Career are central to this goal. Their expertise and support bridges the transition gap between education and employment, ensuring students are fully prepared for real-world experience.

We are grateful to Nora and the Youth Career team for their continued collaboration and commitment to supporting our learners. Together, we are not simply arranging placements, we are shaping future professionals.