Design and graphic students sample world of work

College students who did a work experience placement receiving their certificates. From left to right: James Ord, Reece Freeman, Chelsie Walton and Cheton Mistry

Hopwood Hall College students have been sampling the world of work in a series of placements with local employers.

The students, who are all studying for the Extended Diploma in Creative Design and Media-Graphics at the College, were given the opportunity to work with a number of businesses keen to support the College. Participating companies included Funky Monkey Creations in Rochdale, Peel Graphics in Heywood, Fleet Grafix in Rochdale, PrintServe in Oldham and Creative Spark in Manchester.

The work placements ensured students gained new skills and many commented on how it also increased their confidence and opened their eyes to the design, print and graphic industry and the type of work opportunities available.

Whilst the students gained lots of experience from the placements, businesses stressed the benefits from their side too. Chris Oakes-Courchene, proprietor of Funky Monkey Creations explains: “Students bring new ideas to the work place and it is good to learn from each other,” while Donald Healey, proprietor of Peel Graphics added: “The student we had from Hopwood Hall College was keen and willing to learn. Having a student on work experience is a good way to see if our business could support an apprentice full-time and this is something I am seriously considering at the moment.”

College student Chelsie Walton, who had a work placement with PrintServe in Oldham, said: “I have really enjoyed my time at PrintServe. It has been exciting, fun and creative. I have been made to feel part of the team and would recommend to any of my friends to do a work experience placement.”

Fellow student, Tina Hogarth, who was on placement at Creative Spark in Manchester, said: “Actually being in a real work environment and working to deadlines is very exciting. Getting to help on a proper brief made me feel really involved and valued.”

Reece Freeman who was given a work placement with Fleet Grafix in Rochdale added: “I have learnt new things and also how to work within a team to come up with unique designs.”