Work experience appeal for college's students

Firms, such as those in the construction industry, often struggled to offer placements due to health and safety regulations, the college said

Firms are being urged by a college to come forward and help their students find jobs by offering them work experience.

Bosses at Heart of Worcestershire College, based in Redditch, say finding placements in some industries has become harder.

They gave examples such as in construction where health and safety regulations can be an issue, they said, while remote working meant fewer placements were available in offices.

Students who do not get experience with businesses can end up lacking so-called soft skills such as teamwork, a spokesperson said.

The college specialises in providing vocational, technical and professional courses and has campuses in Bromsgrove, Redditch, Worcester and Malvern.

The efforts of students studying T-levels, which focus more on practical subjects, were highlighted as they need at least 315 hours of work experience as part of their course.

As well as construction, a college spokesperson said they were also keen to find placements with firms in areas including engineering, beauty and travel.