Students Brodie and Tom are gaining valuable work and independence skills, thanks to a fantastic partnership with Woodland Park Lodges.
We are proud to have teamed up with the Ellesmere-based holiday lodge business, to offer weekly work placements to these two enthusiastic students.
Both are on our Hospitality and Food pathway and eagerly look forward to their Friday morning placements at the lodges. Woodland Park Lodges’ 52 acres of woodland offer 11 lodges and seven luxury treehouses, all with hot tubs. So there’s always plenty to do!
Brodie and Tom attend their placements along with a dedicated job coach who supports them. Their tasks include sorting laundry bags, stripping beds, collecting and separating towels, and cleaning mirrors and windows. Their teamwork and dedication have been praised by staff and guests alike.
Learning housekeeping skills
Tom is in his third year at College and follows two linked pathways in Hospitality & Food and Performing Arts. His work placements offer practical learning in housekeeping, as well as independence skills, teamwork, and other transferable skills.
Tom says: “I enjoy working with Brodie and Amy (job coach) in housekeeping at the lodges, which are in the woods. I like doing cleaning and help make beds.”
Tom also has work experience placements in the College’s Walled Garden Café, The Orangery Restaurant, and mini training hotel, Hotel 751. His proudest moment has been serving His Royal Highness, the Duke of Edinburgh, in College’s The Orangery Restaurant.
He says: “Wow! I phoned my family and told them all, even the dog! I was so proud.”
Victoria Thornley, Managing Director at Woodland Park Lodges, said she was delighted with the students’ contributions.
She says: “It is great to have students from Derwen College working in our housekeeping team at Woodland Park Lodges. The students are always keen to learn and develop their knowledge in housekeeping by trying different tasks. We have very good feedback on the cleanliness of our lodges which is testament to the positive impact they are making.”
In England, just 5.1% of people with a learning disability are in paid employment (according to latest figures from NHS Digital). Derwen College believes that students are capable and keen to work; what’s more, they have a right to work and to enjoy the independence and sense of pride that paid employment can bring.
Work placements offer vital learning
Our Principal and CEO Meryl Green emphasises how important regular work placements are for students’ progress. Students on vocational pathways start work experience placements in the College Marketplace – which features the Garden Centre and Gift Shop, Walled Garden Café, The Orangery Restaurant, and The Vintage Advantage charity shop. As their skills and confidence grow, they progress to weekly work placements at local and national businesses.
She says: “External work experience is an important part of many of our students’ journey towards employment. Without the support of business owners, we wouldn’t be able to offer these opportunities. The Work Experience Team works hard to forge relationships with employers, creating placements that support our students’ career ambitions. Thanks to Woodland Park Lodges and all our partner businesses for understanding the importance of meaningful work experience and supporting students to learn skills which will help them gain employment after College.”
Woodland Park Lodges are generous supporters of Derwen College and Derwen Charity. The business has also offered a grand prize for Derwen College Grand Raffle: a two-night mid-week stay for up to six people and two dogs.