A WORK experience programme that has seen hundreds of students secure jobs has achieved top marks for quality.

Furness College has been awarded the Work Experience Quality Standard in recognition of best practice in delivering high quality work experience programmes including work placements, internships, traineeships and apprenticeships.

The standard is owned and administered by Fair Train, a national charity established to help support both providers and employers.

Tracy Garnett, who oversees the programme at Furness College, said areas from across the curriculum – ranging from hair and beauty to construction and engineering – were assessed.

Mrs Garnett said: “We are delighted that work experience offered to students is meeting the high standards set by Fair Train. We work closely with employers to ensure the students’ career aspirations and course requirements are met within their placement and that there is a clear path to employment.”

Fair Train developed the Work Experience Quality Standard in partnership with Ofsted, Department for Education, TUC and various other groups. It acts as both a kite mark for recognising high quality and a framework for developing provision following best practice.

Student Jack Marsden secured an apprenticeship at Barton Townley directly from a work experience placement. He said it had been a valuable experience, boosted his confidence and given him a clear insight into the skills needed in the workplace.

Jack first enrolled onto a Level two business administration course with Furness College in 2014 progressing on to level three and has now secured an AAT accounting apprenticeship with Barton Townley in Barrow. As part of his full time study programme he attended work experience at Cambridge Primary School in his first year and Barton Townley in his second year at college.

Tracy said: “Work experience is such an important stage of our students’ progression as it gives them the chance to learn new skills as well as opening doors to employment.”