Students shine thanks to partnership

Derwen College students Brodie and Tom are gaining valuable work and independence skills, thanks to a partnership with Woodland Park Lodges.

Derwen College - a specialist further education college for young adults with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) - has teamed up with the Ellesmere-based holiday lodge business, to offer weekly work placements to the two enthusiastic students.

Both are on the Gobowen college’s Hospitality and Food pathway and eagerly look forward to their Friday morning placements at the lodges. Woodland Park Lodges’ 52 acres of woodland offer 11 lodges and seven luxury treehouses, all with hot tubs. 

Brodie and Tom attend their placements along with a dedicated job coach who supports them. Their tasks include sorting laundry bags, stripping beds, collecting and separating towels, and cleaning mirrors and windows. Their teamwork and dedication have been praised by staff and guests alike.

Tom is in his third year at college and follows two linked pathways in Hospitality & Food and Performing Arts. His work placements offer practical learning in housekeeping, as well as independence skills, teamwork, and other transferable skills.

Tom says: “I enjoy working with Brodie and Amy (my job coach) in housekeeping at the lodges, which are in the woods. I like doing cleaning and help make beds.”

Tom also has work experience placements in the college’s Walled Garden Café, The Orangery Restaurant, and mini training hotel, Hotel 751. His proudest moment has been serving His Royal Highness, the Duke of Edinburgh, in The Orangery Restaurant.

Victoria Thornley, managing director at Woodland Park Lodges, said she was delighted with the students’ contributions.

“It is great to have students from Derwen College working in our housekeeping team. The students are always keen to learn and develop their knowledge in housekeeping by trying different tasks. We have very good feedback on the cleanliness of our lodges which is testament to the positive impact they are making.”

In England, just 5.1% of people with a learning disability are in paid employment (according to latest figures from NHS Digital). Derwen College believes that students are capable and keen to work; what’s more, they have a right to work and to enjoy the independence and sense of pride that paid employment can bring.

Derwen College principal and CEO Meryl Green said: “External work experience is an important part of many of our students’ journey towards employment. Without the support of business owners, we wouldn’t be able to offer these opportunities.

"The Work Experience Team works hard to forge relationships with employers, creating placements that support our students’ career ambitions. Thanks to Woodland Park Lodges and all our partner businesses for understanding the importance of meaningful work experience and supporting Brodie and Tom to learn skills which will help them gain employment after College.”