Penryn College's students were treated to an insightful taste of working life last month - with local employers providing a huge range of placements as part of the school's Work Experience Week.

Over 200 pupils took part in the programme - enjoying placements across Cornwall and further afield in floristry, boatbuilding, games design, gardening, catering, education, and much more - gaining invaluable experiences along the way.

Penryn College Careers Lead, Kim Snowdon, expressed her delight in witnessing so many pupils thrive in the working environment.

"We were totally blown away with the support we received from the local community and various other employers for our Work Experience Week," said Mrs Snowdon.

"Our students learned how to cook, look after and engage with care home residents, code for robots, write articles, work tills and speak with the public. They engaged with younger children, gained hands-on boatbuilding experience, designed window displays, cut lawns, and helped advise on investments, amongst many other tasks too numerous to mention.

"I would like to thank all of the employers that took on our students and provided time to share their skills. We are very lucky to be so well supported," Mrs Snowdon added.

And the employers that showed their support for the school saw students excel in more ways than one, noting hard work, passion, commitment and empathy as some of the qualities demonstrated throughout the week.

Employer feedback included:

"The girls were a delight - helpful, thoughtful and caring with the children."

"It was a delight to help; your students were a credit to themselves and their school."

"We very much enjoyed having the students for the week - we hope they enjoyed it."

"The students were polite, punctual and a credit to the school."

And, when concluding her thoughts on the importance of Work Experience Week and the various ways in which it can benefit young people, Mrs Snowdon said:

"Work Experience Week gives our students a valuable insight into the world of work. It allows them to increase their awareness of their skills and strengths, enhances their motivation, and gives them an appreciation of the skills that they will need in the future - alongside an understanding of how their subjects in school link into adult working life."

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