Carmarthenshire pupils benefit from placements in the workplace

Pupils from a Carmarthenshire secondary school have been taking part in a pilot programme to give them experience of the workplace and real-life challenges.

Over the course of a year, all year 10 pupils from Ysgol Dyffryn Aman will take part in the ‘Real World of Learning Programme’ for a period of six weeks. The programme has been funded by the Regional Skills & Learning Partnership’s Skills and Talent Programme.

The pilot, which began in September 2024 and will continue into September 2025, will engage with over 250 students in total throughout the programme.

The pilot aims to help young people develop the skills and talents needed to succeed in their future careers, connecting their interests, aptitudes, and skills with local job prospects.

During the pilot, pupils will gain work experience, working on real-life challenges within various Council departments including Manor Road Day Centre, Amman Valley Leisure Centre, Trading Standards, and Ammanford Library, as well as with local businesses.

As part of their current placements, four pupils completing work experience at Amman Valley Leisure Centre embraced the challenge of creating platforms aimed at engaging the centre’s younger audience. Meanwhile, another four pupils on placement at Ammanford Library focused on encouraging teenagers and young adults to visit the library and discover the range of services it offers.

Speaking of their experiences, 15-year-old Jorja Morgan said:

I really enjoyed coming up with ideas and designing an outdoor reading area. I’ve been learning some new photography skills and used equipment in the makerspace room."

Molly Vaughan Jones, 15, added:

I liked designing the logo and taking photographs.”

This National Work Experience Week (April 14-18) Carmarthenshire County Council is encouraging students or anyone aged 14 (year 10 in school) or older to apply to undertake unpaid work placement with the Authority.

Work experience can give young people the opportunity to try out an area of work which may influence which A levels, university course, decide to change direction within their current role or even change careers altogether.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and Welsh Language, Cllr Glynog Davies said:

Real-world work experience opens doors for young people, giving them a taste of different careers. We're excited to support programmes that offer hands-on learning, giving young people the confidence to make informed decisions about their future.”

More information about work experience opportunities at the Council and an application form can be found on the Council’s website: www.carmarthenshire.gov.wales/home/council-services/jobs-careers/work-experience/placement-opportunities/

 *Although we will do our best to accommodate as many people as possible, submitting an application does not guarantee a placement. We will contact you within 14 days to discuss arrangements or any alternatives we can offer if we are not able to meet your original request.

More information on the Regional Skills & Learning Partnership can be found at https://www.rlp.org.uk/eng/home