by Leonie Goodger
Twynham School’s Year Tens went off on our work experience this week to learn what it’s like to go to work. During this time we all get the opportunity to learn how to talk to colleagues, what and what not to say, what to wear and how to act. This experience is important as it won’t be long before we will start thinking about getting a job and to know what it’s like to work in an office environment will be new to us. To already have experience within this environment is great.
Throughout my time at Christchurch and East Dorset Councils, I got involved in different activities which I wouldn’t normally. Here’s a bit more about my week at the civic offices:
Work experience can be a daunting thing. You don’t have the comfort of well-known faces around to help you along the way. Work experience is an independent journey and being independent is not one of my strengths. However, from the start I have felt really welcomed by the Communications and PR team, my work experience placement, and by my mentor Isabella who introduced me to all the people I would work with. Throughout the week I got to spend time with the graphic designers Alan and Alison and also learnt about communications from Isabella, Melanie and the manager Ceri, who are all lovely to work with.
Right from the start I have been involved in any activity I can be. Once I had my account set up for my computer I went out to take photos for an award the local beaches won. After an event like this, a press release is written and sent off to the local media to try to get coverage in the local papers. I had to write this press release based on a template. I also had lots of other photo opportunities, like the re-opening of the Quomps splash park at the quay and an official photo of the new Mayor of Christchurch, Cllr Nick Geary, which will be displayed in the Council Chamber.
Besides this I learnt what type of subjects the council tweets about and how since November 2016 their Twitter account has grown. I even got a chance to write and schedule tweets for Christchurch and East Dorset’s Twitter account. During my time with the graphic designers they introduced me to new software that I had barely used before. I learnt about InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop where I made a TV slide for Highcliffe Castle’s PetFest!
Isabella Gamble, Communications Assistant at Christchurch and East Dorset Council said: “I think work experience is a really valuable thing for young people. It allows them a real insight into what the workplace is like, which can help an individual make informed decisions about their future. We have really enjoyed having Leonie working with us this week and she has been a real help to the team.”
All together I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Christchurch and East Dorset Councils and would recommend this work experience placement to anyone who enjoys graphics, writing and photography. If you’re stuck for an idea for a placement this one certainly involved lots of variety!
To find out how to get work experience with Christchurch and East Dorset Councils contact: HRTeam@christchurchandeastdorset.gov.uk