Welcoming students for Work Experience Week

We recently welcomed year 12 students from Orleans Park and Christ’s School for a week of work experience with an environment and sustainability theme.

Throughout the week, students met officers from different teams from sustainability and climate action to communications, community engagement, planning and corporate services. They explored how local government works to deliver services and positive outcomes for residents and communities.

The placements were designed to help students develop their understanding of the workplace while building confidence, employability skills and awareness of future career opportunities.

Students said their highlights of the week included meeting Councillor Julia Neden-Watts, Chair of the Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Committee, and attending the Voluntary Sector Forum. They also enjoyed a tour of Community Bluescapes flood resilience sites in the Beverley Brook catchment area, as well as meeting programme leads from the Heathrow Expansion opposition working group. This was particularly relevant to the student's geography A-level case studies.

Student, Mia Samuels, reflecting on her work experience at the Council, said:

“During my time attending work experience with Richmond Council under the climate and sustainability team, I have learned many valuable lessons that I would only get on the job.

“These lessons included an in-depth insight into what a real working office looks like, which is highly valuable as a young person still deciding their future career path… I attended climate literacy training, which prepped me with further experience for the future, which will be helpful for many applications.

“Overall I thoroughly enjoyed my week with Richmond Council, and I look forward to future opportunities with them, as I have learned so much and would love to continue that relationship.”

We thank the students and staff from Orleans Park School for their enthusiasm and participation throughout the week and look forward to continuing to support local young people through future work experience and engagement opportunities, helping to inspire the next generation of professionals.

We are committed to supporting young people through work experience opportunities, helping them gain practical workplace experience and develop skills that will support their future education and employment choices.

Find out how Richmond employers are boosting opportunities for young people.