Petroc hopes to smash work experience campaign target by Christmas

Petroc is making one final push to smash the target of its 2000 Futures campaign before Christmas following a fantastic response from Devon’s employers.

The college has announced a huge success with its flagship campaign to secure 2,000 work experience opportunities and T Level places for its learners, with the total now standing at 1,997 – 99% of the goal.

Now it wants to go well over that line and secure pledges of a further 121 opportunities for students.

READ MORE: Petroc hits a major milestone in its work experience campaign

The 2000 Futures initiative aims to unlock thousands of real-world experiences for learners – these can range from one-to-one work experience placements and T Level industry placements, to project briefs, supported internships and employer-led curriculum activity.

Above: Petroc's Julie Yates presenting at the Devon Chamber of Commerce 'County Conversations' at the Mole Resort in December. Credit: Petroc

In particular the college would now like to hear from local businesses that can offer one-to-one work experience placements – these could be one day a week for a set period, or a one-off structured placement to give a real world insight into working life.

The college says these short, focused opportunities can transform a learner’s confidence, readiness and aspirations - and often lead directly into employment pathways.

It would also like to hear from any companies that could offer T Level industry placements – T Level learners need longer, skills-focused placements that allow them to develop real technical capability.

These placements help employers shape talent early, support workforce planning and contribute directly to the future skills pipeline in Devon.

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Julie Yates, Petroc head of employer engagement and colleague James Walker also represented the college at the Devon Chamber of Commerce ‘County Conversations’ networking event at The Mole Resort, ensuring a final surge of pledges as the campaign approaches its target.

New collaborations this week include discussions with DWP, North Devon Voluntary Services, Ace Holds The Space and Molland Parish Council, exploring work experience, project-based learning and activity sessions.

Above: Kerala Cotter introducing the Petroc 2000 Futures campaign at Barnstaple Library. Credit: Petroc

The latest 23 completed placements included opportunities in earth scholar and outdoors, hair and beauty, digital and creative media, plus nursing and health and social care.

SEND (special education needs) learners have also continued to benefit from experiences tailored to their needs and with support as required.

Julie Yates praised the cross-college effort and the enthusiasm of Devon employers and said: “The work being undertaken across college teams is resulting in a wide range of impactful opportunities for our learners.

“The proactive approach from staff and the willingness of employers to step forward is making a tangible difference.”

For more information or to pledge support to beat the 2000 Futures target, employers are welcome to contact the Employer Engagement Team directly by emailing business@petroc.ac.uk or by visiting the website at https://www.petroc.ac.uk/unlocking-2000-work-placements