Level 1 and Level 2 Vocational students on work experience
News
Level 1 and Level 2 Vocational students completed their work experience from 26th to the 30th January 2026
At the start of the spring term 2026, St Charles students from our Level 1 and Level 2 Vocational courses completed work experiences as part of the College’s Personal Development Programme, helping them develop their skills in areas such as communication, teamwork and leadership. The experiences increased their confidence, motivation and their overall self-improvement and career growth. Students from the Learning Support Department thoroughly enjoyed their placements as part of this programme and we are incredibly proud of their contributions!
We asked all our LS cohort the following questions:
- Where did you go?
- What did you do there?
- What did you learn/gain from the experience?
- What did you enjoy about the experience?
- Any employer feedback on your time there?
Zabia Ahmadi
British Heart Foundation (BHF) – Camden
BHF is the biggest independent funder of research into cardiovascular disease in the UK.
“For my work experience I went to the British Heart Foundation in Camden. During my placement I learnt how to do price tagging on different merchandise in the store e.g clothes, DVDs, jewellery etc. I learned new skills such as how to use a tagging gun and sort items into categories to display them attractively on the shop floor. I also improved my communication skills with staff and customers. The team was kind and supportive. I really enjoyed my work experience and liked learning how a charity shop operates. The atmosphere was really nice and welcoming and I felt I developed my independence too.” ~Zabia
Zabia’s supervisor described her as “very polite and attentive. She listened carefully and completed the tasks set and she was clearly enjoying herself. It was a pleasure having her at BHF.”
Junior Cain
British Heart Foundation (BHF) – Swiss Cottage
“I spent a week doing my work experience at BHF Swiss Cottage and really enjoyed the experience. I gained valuable interpersonal skills and learned how a busy shop operates. I started by sorting clothes into male and female categories and then organised them by size and colour before attaching price tags. I also sorted other donated items into piles to check if they were suitable for sale. I enjoyed working with the permanent staff at the shop as they were very friendly and welcoming. I learnt about working in a team and using my initiative to get on with tasks and I felt proud of how hard I worked while I was there.” ~Junior
His supervisor described him as “a creative, driven and hardworking volunteer and the Regional Manager who visited while Junior was there was very impressed with Junior’s Valentine’s Day display which was moved to the front window!”
Cameron Rayner-Cook
Fight for Sight Charity Shop – Portobello Road
Fight for Sight is the UK’s leading charity funding vision research and social change to stop sight loss and improve lives.
“I completed my work experience at Fight for Sight, a charity shop on Portobello Road. The staff were very kind and supportive. I enjoyed working in the team as the staff made me feel so welcome and they guided me a lot. I helped label the clothes and put tags on them stating the size and then I organised them for display. After completing my placement, I feel more confident about getting a job in the future because it gave me an idea of a proper working day.” ~ Cameron
Cameron’s supervisor Daniel said he “was incredibly pleased with his performance. Cameron was a bright and friendly young man who worked really hard and he is welcome back at any time.”
Ibrahim Sharif-Edarus
British Heart Foundation (BHF) – Swiss Cottage
“During my placement I created window displays, organised stock and worked on the till serving customers. I learned how to use the price tagging gun, solve problems and design creative displays to attract customers. I especially enjoyed organising stock and helping customers at the till.” ~Ibrahim
Ibrahim’s supervisor said “Ibrahim has been great to have in the shop. He made a fantastic window display and we are pleased to be welcoming him back for regular volunteering on a Saturday.”
Jaylen Durojaiye
West Youth Zone – White City
West Youth Zone is a purpose-built space for London’s young people aged 8-25 yrs, offering a variety of activities and sessions ranging from sports, media, drama, music production etc.
“I completed my work experience at West Youth Zone in White City. During the week I answered phone calls, supported reception, helped with deliveries and counted stock. I also helped in the baby zone supporting parents and children and spent time working in the kitchen where I made brownies and pizza with students from another school. I developed my communication and independence skills. I especially enjoyed working in the sensory room and the kitchen. I had a great time during my placement and learned a lot about being independent in a work environment.” ~Jaylen
Jaylen’s manager tells us that “It was an absolute pleasure having Jaylen with us for work experience at WEST Youth Zone. She supported our Catering Manager in preparing a meal during a session and cooked jollof rice which was enjoyed by many young people. Jaylen independently created a menu, planned ingredients, supported the shopping process and prepared a meal for 50 young people and 12 staff members.
She showed excellent organisation, motivation and initiative throughout the placement. She also confidently delivered a tour of the Youth Zone for the fundraising team and impressed staff with her professionalism and confidence. We were extremely impressed with her performance and there is a potential job opportunity for Jaylen with us in the future.” ~Charlene Guiste, West Youth Zone.
Jahari Taylor-Wisdom (L2 Art & Design)
Venture Community Association W10
Venture has been supporting the community in North Kensington since 1959. The charity combines the country’s oldest adventure playgroup with a community centre to improve the lives of children and families, older people, newly arrived communities and unemployed people.
“I helped out at the Venture Community Centre setting up for different activities such as the community lunch as well as welcoming people and chatting to them at the centre. I learnt a lot about working in the community and got to know a lot of people. I helped staff with activities such as sewing club which was interesting and also setting up for events. I learnt how to work with others in a team” ~Jahari
Venture staff reported that “Jahari was a dream to have working with them as he was always positive and enthusiastic and ready to help out wherever needed. A real star!”
Yusuf Ennalhoui (L2 Business)
Queen’s Park Library Westminster
“My work experience helped me develop organisation, communication and customer service skills. I gained confidence working in a professional setting and learned the importance of responsibility and time management in the workplace.” ~Yusuf
His supervisor said “Yusuf was always organised and helped staff arrange many sections in the library competently. A great worker!”