A key part of our study programmes at North Hertfordshire College is the opportunity to gain valuable work experience. Our amazing Work Experience (or WEX) team are crucial to the organisation of these experiences, coordinating with employers and students to create exciting opportunities.
Meet Jacqueline Smith, who works with North Hertfordshire College as an Industry Placement Coordinator in our WEX team! Jacqueline’s exciting and varied career means that she’s able to bring some interesting insights to the students she works with – find out more in her interview:
What does your role as Industry Placement Coordinator at NHC include?
“I work alongside students, tutors and staff within the College, including parents, carers and employers. My role as Coordinator means that my role is varied. Every day can be different, which I love. My focus is to ensure students receive the best experience of work to develop employability skills, sector knowledge and improve valuable technical skills.
“I approach companies asking if they could support one of our students for either short-term 30-hour work experience or longer 315-hour placements. I also ask employers for any real-life projects students can work on, bringing new ideas to support their business. Some employers are happy to give their valuable time, sharing their developmental journey and vast business acumen as a guest speaker. It’s essential that engaged employers know what’s expected of them in terms of involvement. My role is to smooth the way to ensure our students receive a quality experience of work with committed and supportive businesses.
“A students’ continued development is at the core of what I do. Matching students to a wide range of exciting placements to support their learning and providing opportunities for students to be creative and innovative through project involvement is just part of my supportive role.”
Can you tell us some more about your NHC journey?
“My NHC experience first started when I was a student here. I studied the Private Secretary Certificate, which helped me gain shorthand and audio typing skills for my first role as a Private Secretary working for the Ministry of Defence in London, which I absolutely loved.
“I changed career after having my children and decided to take another course at NHC to learn some new skills. I’m glad I made that decision because having that qualification under my belt helped me get my first job with the College. I started off as a part-time administrator, for one week, progressing into business development, apprenticeships, traineeships, placement coach, and now I’m in my current role as an Industry Placement Coordinator.”
What do you most enjoy about working at NHC?
“Definitely the variety of my role and my wealth of experience I can bring to it. I love the fact that the College is so alive with laughter and chatter. It’s great seeing students moving around the College and engaging with you. It gives the atmosphere of things happening, and I can’t imagine now sitting in an office without that.
“Everybody is so friendly, too. If you need help with anything, there’s always someone there to support you.”
Looking back at your time working here so far, what has been one of your highlights?
“My highlight is seeing success for all students, including those who have faced personal challenges. Despite dealing with these difficulties, they’re still driven to attend college to gain their qualification. Not only that, but they go the extra mile, taking on a work placement commitment! With the fantastic support of their tutors and student services, it is great to hear students thrive and do so well.”
If you could give one piece of advice to someone who is thinking of joining NHC, what would it be?
“For students, I would say coming to college prepares you with the skills and knowledge for the next step in your career. This is a time for you learn and take every opportunity that the College has to offer – say yes to everything! Use your time here wisely to study and hear from the experts because, at the end of the day, it’s your future that is important.
“For staff coming into the College, I’d tell them that everyone is really professional and friendly. There are always chances of promotion and moving into different areas of the organisation. You don’t have to stay in the same position, and I am an example of that. The College provides so many great opportunities for personal developmental training – which I love.”
Work with the Hart Learning Group
We think all jobs in education are some of the most important and fulfilling jobs in the world – helping people realise their potential and build a life for themselves; helping businesses to grow and improve; and helping to build strong, vibrant communities.
If you share our passion, we want to hear from you – check out our available vacancies and come and join the team!