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We are delighted to announce our working partnership with Blenheim Palace, in Oxfordshire on it’s fantastic 2,000 acres of land. Blenheim offer work experience opportunities to students across years 11 – 13 from mainstream schools in the area on a 2 week placement. This is however the first time they have welcomed students from an SEN school on an ongoing placement, once a week, every Friday during term time.
Many thanks go to Ana Llamazares Prada, in the Operations team and Eleanor Paice, Guest Services Manager who have been heavily involved in making this whole experience possible and have taken time out to discuss the benefits of having our students working alongside their teams.
How did the process work?
Our students created curriculum vitae and took part in mock interviews with LVS HR team. This enabled our students to gain experience of the process of applying for employment. The students were given opportunities to discuss their skills and suitability for a work experience placement at Blenheim Palace.
Following on from their mock interviews, Eleanor and Ana came into the school to conduct their interviews and five students were chosen for the roles. The ladies were impressed with the CV’s the students had produced and how they conducted themselves in the interview process. The students had a number of questions which they articulated in a straightforward and professional manner. The students also created power point presentations on the history of Blenheim and presented extremely confidently to the Blenheim team.
What experiences are our students encountering?
The students are undertaking a variety of roles across the vast site working as part of the Operational team, working in the collections department, cleaning and polishing the artefacts, working in the walled garden and the grounds. After half term the students are looking forward to working with the livestock under the estates team.
They are learning invaluable skills including listening, following instructions, social skills, learning about commitment to the job and workplace, accountability and responsibility as well as becoming valued members of the team.
Why is work experience important for students at LVS Oxford?
Work Experience is a hugely important part of the Upper School Curriculum and is an excellent opportunity for students to gain an understanding of the skills and qualities required by employers for students that face many challenges throughout their lives. Having the opportunity to participate in a workplace environment also builds confidence and self-worth, helping them to increase their maturity, independence and show that Autism is not a barrier to employment. It also provides an excellent opportunity to gain an insight into what interests our students and enables them to discover areas they may want to explore after leaving school.
What do Blenheim Palace think of the partnership?
Eleanor tells us that the students are enthusiastic and get stuck into all areas of the estates. Not only is it hugely rewarding developing and watching the students grow in confidence and stature, but that it has also educated the whole Blenheim team with practical experience of diversity and inclusivity, and how they can pass this learning on in their dealings with the public.
“There have only been positives that have come out of the programme with mutual learning and benefits for us both.”
To find out more about Blenheim Palace click here
