College partnership offers students great opportunities

We’ve partnered up with Shrewsbury Colleges Group, allowing students to experience life in the field as a Care Professional. We’ve had a close working relationship since 2021, providing Health and Social Care students with the opportunity to complete their mandatory ‘in the field’ placements.

The students work closely with our experienced and dedicated Care Professionals, ranging from two days to a full working week. The placements are designed to give students a real flavour of a career in the Care Sector – they are issued uniforms, briefings and elements of training. They also spend time in the office to experience all sides of the working day.

Developing skills and inspiring confidence

SCG student, Katie McPartland, studying on the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care, said:

“During the week of work experience my confidence grew massively, being able to comfortably carry out tasks that I never imagined I’d be able to do. It provided me with a real insight into the care vulnerable individuals may require and how important it is to carry these tasks out professionally. During the placement I learnt I was able to practice and expand on many key skills that were taught in class, such as confidentiality, equality, and dignity. The organisation was amazing, allowing me to do things in my own time and constantly evaluating my knowledge by asking questions such as why do we do this? Or how do you ensure that dignity is met.”

It doesn’t just benefit the students though. It allows Care Professionals to gain experience with mentoring and guiding. Our clients certainly seem to appreciate the extra pair of hands, and the opportunity for a chat and share their extensive life experiences. Students are supported through the process by recruitment & training manager, Lewis Collins who helps them settle into life as a Care Professional.

With around 100,000 vacancies in the Care Sector across the UK, the opportunity for students in Health and Social Care to undertake ‘real world’ type placements may provide a pipeline for future employment.

Meg Murphy, Lead Work Experience Coordinator at Shrewsbury Colleges Group added: 

“All the students who have been on a placement to Radfield Home Care have thoroughly enjoyed the experience and have gained a real understanding and insight into working in care. Being a domiciliary care company, the placement offers real variety, a chance to meet lots of different people and be involved in a range of care plans.”

Karen Corcoran, Business Development Manager of Radfield Home Care, Shrewsbury & Oswestry, says:

“We find the students of Shrewsbury Colleges Group take full advantage of the opportunities presented to them in being able to work in the field with our valued, and highly experienced Care Professionals. We hope going forward after completion of their studies, they may consider a career in the Elderly Care Sector and it’s great to be able to play a small part in that. All the students we have had the pleasure of meeting and working alongside, have been a credit to Shrewsbury Colleges Group.”

What is Shrewsbury Colleges Group?

Shrewsbury Colleges Group was formed in August 2016 through the merger of Shrewsbury Sixth Form College and Shrewsbury College. The college has the widest selection of courses in Shropshire and the surrounding areas for school leavers to study. It offers academic excellence at its English and Welsh Bridge town centre campuses and vocational excellence at its technical and professional centre based at the London Road Campus. It also offers high quality on the job training through its apprenticeship provision.

The College is the sixth form for seven schools in Shrewsbury and rural Shropshire, as well as working in partnership with 300 employers. It is also the largest provider of higher education courses in the county, offering degrees, foundation degrees, HNC/D and higher-level professional courses. In total, Shrewsbury Colleges Group works with around 10,000 students each year.

For more information on the work experience opportunities offered by Shrewsbury Colleges Group, you can visit their website. Alternatively, you can contact us to find out more.