My name is Lorraine Ahern and one of my many roles at the college is to develop and co-ordinate work placement activity for students undertaking compulsory work experience in Years 10 and 12. I am responsible for assisting students in sourcing potential placements; maintaining a central database and communicating and liaising with College staff and employers. I work closely with the Somerset Partnership Trust in the collation of data and make sure that all placement activities are carried out in line with College guidelines. Main Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Help to source work experience opportunities for learners across the College in conjunction with learners, tutors and the employers

2. Deal with enquiries from employers, taking messages and follow-up action, as appropriate

3. Collate and check student data and information, and produce a range of reports

4. Identify learners with additional support needs and work with the staff to ensure support for these learners in the workplace and in preparation for placement

5. Promote and safeguarding the welfare of children and young people across the College

6. Carry out work experience suitability checks

7. Track students through their work experience and liaise with employers and College staff on monitoring progress

8. Ensure employers fully understand the placement programme and any involvement expected from them