This is the first in a series of articles about the value that work placement has for students studying on a range of vocational courses at West Nottinghamshire College.

Becoming work-ready is an important asset of any student. Most learners are required to undertake work placement alongside their study programmes to offer them the practical experience, industry insights, personal development, and networking opportunities.

This experience also helps to boost their employability, while improving confidence, skills, and understanding of their chosen industry.

For 20-year-old Vinzlee Garcia, it was her work placement that gave her the confidence and attributes to achieve the job role she now holds at Sherwood Forests Hospitals NHS Trust.

Vinzlee, of Warsop, spent her work placement at Ashfield Health Village, based in Kirkby, each Thursday over a six-month period, while also studying the Level 2 Intermediate Technical Certificate in Business Administration.

She was based in the families and specialist services care unit office, taking phone calls, word processing documents, composing information packs for families, speaking to patients, and performing many other administrative tasks.

Vinzlee also spent time on the reception desk, meeting and greeting visitors and taking calls.

She said: “I learnt that you need to have excellent customer service and telephone and communication skills.

“When I was on the reception desk, I got lots of urgent enquiries and you get asked so many questions.

“It highlighted to me just how much you have to know as a receptionist.”

Vinzlee originates from the Philippines so English is not her first language. However, she speaks four languages and admits she’s a quick learner.

She added: “I first learnt English four years ago when I joined the college. I was pretty much self-taught and just paid attention to people. I learnt along the way and hoped for the best.”

Team members at Ashfield Health Village recognised Vinzlee’s keenness to learn. Personal assistant

Megan Adams said: “Throughout Vinzlee’s time with us she consistently showed her strong desire to learn and gain new skills, and embedded herself very well within the team from day one of her placement.

“Once she overcame her shyness, her ambitious, confident, and witty personality came pouring out with ease.

“Her requests for helping us with work grew and her skills quickly grew due to the variety of work she undertook, and she also provided assistance with meeting candidates for interview.”

Vinzlee said: “Throughout my placement I recorded my progress on the college’s Grofar system, which helps you track your experiences. The college helped me to understand the placement diary, how to track my work, and plot the evidence correctly.

“Megan and Lynne, who I worked with at Ashfield, were really supportive in helping me to plan my CV and an application form for an apprenticeship at King’s Mill Hospital, during a challenging period when I was struggling to balance personal commitments and studies.

“Fortunately, everything worked out and, as well as passing my Level 2 qualification, I was selected for interview for the job at the hospital — and I was successful!”

Vinzlee’s apprentice role, which she began in August, is based in the training and development team, working both in the admin office and on reception. The apprenticeship is also run by West Nottinghamshire College.

She added: “It’s a great environment to work in and I get to use all those skills that I learnt at college and on placement. I already feel very settled.

“Working at Ashfield on placement showed me what to expect in the real work environment and I feel it’s important to get that work experience in an industry setting.

“Not only did it give me the practice, but it helped to cement the idea that I did want to work within administration.”

Megan added: “Vinzlee was a joy to work with and it was a pleasure to watch her grow and continue her career within the NHS. We wish her the best and we’re sure she’ll go far with whatever she chooses to do in the future.”