IN BIZ MK APRIL MAY 2021.qxp_A4 size 24/03/2021 10:15 Page 22
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A DIFFERENT APPROACH Restrictions caused by the pandemic meant Year 10 work experience needed a different approach at The Denbigh Alliance Multi Academy Trust this year. The most recent cohort of students faced an entirely different working landscape. Although usually, the entire group go out to external placements, this year, nearly 200 students completed a virtual work experience. The five-day programme, which ran over a normal working week, covered CV writing, financial activities, writing a business plan, preparing for an interview and finished with the students having to complete a final presentation. Student engagement was fantastic, and the quality of the presentations was professional and highly commended. Nearly 60 students did go out to various companies, despite Covid-19 restrictions. The
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students met the additional challenges with maturity, and all had positive experiences. The Denbigh Alliance Multi Academy Trust CEO Andy Squires said: “We are in exceptional times, in the midst of a global pandemic and that has required some thinking outside the box in order to still provide Year 10 students the valuable opportunity of work experience. “It cannot be underestimated how vital it is for students to have the chance to break out of the classroom and get involved with different companies, colleagues and practices, a flavour of the real working world.” Denbigh Alliance are keen to develop more relationships with local businesses, especially within the Chamber network. For more information, email Jo Goudriaan at goudriaanj@denbigh.net
Nearly 60 pupils were able to attend external placements
