Around 50 Year 8 pupils from Kingsbury Green Academy have gained valuable workplace experience after taking part in placements at Calne Community Campus as part of the school’s growing Modern Work Experience Programme.
Delivered across four separate days, the placements gave pupils the opportunity to experience the world of work first-hand while exploring careers within the sports and leisure sector.
During their time at the Campus, pupils learned about a wide range of roles, including sports coaching, swimming lessons, lifeguarding, marketing, reception and administration. Working alongside staff also helped them develop key employability skills such as communication, teamwork and professionalism.
The initiative forms part of Kingsbury Green Academy’s Modern Work Experience Programme, which provides pupils with multiple employer encounters throughout their time at the school. Experiences are tailored to pupils’ interests and career aspirations using information gathered through the school’s Future Skills Questionnaire.
The programme has already attracted wider attention, with the Swindon and Wiltshire Careers Hub now supporting the project and exploring opportunities to introduce similar partnerships at other leisure centres across the county.
Careers Lead, Cath Young, said, “We are incredibly grateful to Calne Community Campus for supporting our students and helping bring the world of work to life. Experiences like this allow young people to explore different career pathways, develop essential skills and gain confidence in their future ambitions.
“We are delighted that around 50 students have benefited from this opportunity and are thrilled that the success of the programme is now being recognised more widely. We look forward to continuing and growing this valuable partnership.”
Cllr Mel Jacob, Deputy Leader of Wiltshire Council and Cabinet Member for Organisational Strategy, Digital and Leisure, Libraries & Culture, said, “It is fantastic to see Kingsbury Green Academy and Calne Community Campus working together to give young people these valuable experiences.
“Opportunities like this help pupils build confidence, develop important workplace skills and gain an insight into the wide range of careers available within the leisure and sports sector.
“By bringing together education with employers in our communities, we can hopefully inspire young people to think positively about their future and possible career paths.
“I would like to thank everyone involved in making this programme such a success.”
The academy also thanked Colin Larrigan and the entire Calne Community Campus team for supporting the initiative and helping inspire the next generation through the innovative partnership.
