Last week, we had the pleasure of welcoming Jess, a Year 12 student, to the James Brindley Foundation for a week of hands-on work experience. Jess had the opportunity to immerse herself in our operations, gaining valuable insights into how the charity functions and the communities we support. Throughout her week with us, she engaged in a variety of activities, from shadowing meetings with potential partners to filming promotional material at the Walsall College studio. Her enthusiasm and dedication made her a wonderful addition to our team during her time here.
See what she had to say about her experience below!
Hi, I’m Jess, a Year 12 student currently studying for my A-levels. I recently had the incredible opportunity to complete a week of work experience at the James Brindley Foundation. I chose this foundation because I am deeply passionate about criminology and believe in the importance of helping others make positive life choices and guiding them to stay on the right path. Throughout the week, I shadowed the team and took on hands-on tasks, which opened my eyes to the positive impact charities have on the communities they serve.
Initially, I was worried that my first day would be overwhelming, but everyone was so welcoming. I was introduced to the team and given a tour of the office. A significant part of my morning involved attending a meeting where I learned about the foundation’s mission and values, as well as the people it supports. The meeting covered the various risks and challenges faced by the individuals the charity helps. I spent the rest of the morning conducting a website audit to recommend necessary updates, discovering important elements that could enhance it. Additionally, I reviewed the ‘Full Circle Programme’ to gain a deeper understanding of the charity and its objectives.
In the afternoon, I participated in the Walsall Police and Schools Panel meeting, which offered valuable insights for schools across Walsall about the James Brindley Foundation. During the presentation, a representative shared detailed insights into the foundation’s mission and initiatives aimed at supporting young people throughout the West Midlands. They highlighted various programmes and resources available to help students navigate challenges and promote the #SaferStreets initiative. It was inspiring to learn about their commitment to making a positive impact in the community. Overall, my first day allowed me to understand the prevalence of violent youth crime in Walsall, its detrimental effects, and the strategies being implemented to combat it.
On Day 2, I assisted in filming promotional material for the foundation at Walsall College. The team was presented with a series of questions that explored the charity’s objectives, the rationale behind its establishment, and its positive impact. Following this discussion, they engaged in a filmed session where they connected with college students, sharing insights about the foundation’s mission and goals. This interaction provided an excellent opportunity for the foundation to promote its work and the difference it aims to make in the wider community.
During the remainder of my week at the foundation, I participated in various tasks, including administrative duties and shadowing during meetings. I also undertook several administrative responsibilities that contributed to the charity’s mission. One of my key tasks involved conducting in-depth research on current news topics, where I identified significant themes that aligned with the charity’s objectives. For instance, I examined articles and reports related to social issues, highlighting their connection to our focus on community development and support for at-risk youth.
I had the opportunity to observe four engaging meetings, where passionate discussions unfolded about the future of the charity. Each meeting was an exchange of ideas, shedding light on the meaningful work being carried out weekly to make a difference in our community. Collaborations between charities and the Walsall Council were often discussed, suggesting a promising future for the foundation and its mission.
This week of work experience was eye-opening, and I am incredibly grateful to the foundation for taking me on. I gained practical skills, learned how a professional environment operates, and discovered insights that will enhance my studies in sixth form, particularly in my criminology A-level. I appreciate the opportunity to observe, learn, and contribute to the James Brindley Foundation. It’s clear that this dynamic workplace requires both hard and soft skills to succeed, and I’m excited to continue learning and growing in my future endeavours. This experience has given me the confidence to pursue further opportunities.
Are you a student looking for work experience or a placement? Get in touch and we’ll see how we can accommodate you.
