At South Bank Colleges, we ensure that every full-time student gains real-world work experience as part of their learning journey. Our dedicated Work Experience team helps secure high-quality placements tailored to each student's interests and career ambitions. Many students are offered jobs or apprenticeships directly through their placements, which are carefully scheduled around their study timetable to maximise flexibility and opportunity.
Meet the Team
Gina Mensah
Employer Engagement & Careers Manager
Our aim is to support students to secure high-quality work experiences and engage in work-related activities. We create opportunities for students to gain invaluable experiences. Through these opportunities, students can link their classroom learning with real industry insights and gain practical skills in their chosen career industries and specialisms. We want all students to LEVEL UP and EXPERIENCE their way to SUCCESS!!
Josephine Calabrese
Careers & Progression Coordinator
I provide career information, advice, guidance and coaching to prospective students and students on college programmes. I lead on university applications and personal statements; CV writing and interview skills. I coordinate various activities including tailored internship programs and training aimed at inspiring and motivating students to achieve their full potential and gain sustainable employment.
Fionnula Dainty
Careers & Employability Development Officer
My role at the college is based around ensuring that students develop their employability skills throughout the year, so that when they leave, they can progress into work, university or an apprenticeship. I help students develop their confidence in workshops, take them on trips to meet universities or to careers fairs, help with CVs, improve interview skills and support the students with their UCAS applications. I love helping students positively move into the next stage of their lives.
Donna Webster
T-Level Specialist Placement Officer
I am a dedicated T-Level Specialist Placement Officer, committed to ensuring students secure valuable placements that enhance their learning and career prospects. With a passion for education and extensive experience in student support and navigating their T-Level journeys successfully.
Breveena Sahi
T-Level Work Placement Officer
My role is to guide and prepare students for successful work placements. I help them understand the importance of securing a placement as well as offering tailored support throughout the process. My focus is on ensuring that students gain the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in a working environment, by fostering both their professional and personal development. I aim to create an invaluable experience that will contribute to their future career success.
Alicia Maker
Work Experience Placement Officer
My role is to provide students with valuable work placement opportunities that help them develop the skills and experience needed for their future careers. I actively collaborate and build strong relationships with industry professionals to guarantee that all our students have access to meaningful work experience. I am deeply passionate about supporting our students and preparing them not only for success during their time at college but also for their future lives as adults.
Adetola Ogunyemi
Work Experience Placement Officer
My role is to create accessible opportunities that give students valuable, real-world experiences to help them build the skills they need for their future careers. I focus on developing strong relationships between employers and students, connecting them in ways that open doors and create lasting career opportunities. By bridging education and industry, I aim to empower students to make meaningful strides toward their future career paths.
Chante Ode
Business Administration Apprentice
My responsibilities include handling various administrative tasks and contacting employers to inquire about work placement opportunities. I support my team in hosting a range of events for students and employers. Additionally, I oversee and manage the Career Champions who assist with events, network with employers, and relay useful information back to their peers within their subject areas.
Here are just some of the outstanding employer partners who provide work placements for South Bank Colleges' students:
- Cisco
- Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust
- Rambert
- Baxall Construction
- Thames Water
- Beko
- St John Ambulance
- Doxabeta
- Runabeat Ltd
- MACE
- Morgan Sindall
- Lee Marley
- Mitie
Benefits for Students
Work placements give students the chance to experience the working world first-hand, gaining invaluable insight and inspiration for their future careers—including through T-Level industry placements. Placements help students to:
- Develop essential workplace skills and behaviours.
- Gain confidence in career aspirations and pathways.
- Expand their professional network.
- Apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings.
- Upskill and learn new industry-specific techniques.
- Enhance CVs, boosting future job and apprenticeship applications.
- Demonstrate ambition, professionalism, and drive to potential employers.
What are Work Experience Placements?
WEX Guidance for Parents and Carers
Collaborating with Employers to Build London’s Skilled Workforce
South Bank Colleges plays a vital role in supporting local communities by forging strong partnerships with employers and actively engaging with regional skills boards. These collaborations shape policy and strategies to meet London's evolving skills and training needs.
Our Advisory Boards allow employers to have a direct impact on curriculum design, helping to align learning with real-world industry demands. By working closely with South Bank Colleges, employers are helping to create the skilled workforce of tomorrow.
Employers benefit by:
- Contributing to curriculum and programme development.
- Recruiting motivated apprentices and work-ready students.
- Delivering seminars and workshops, sharing sector expertise.
- Supporting T-Level Industry Placements, with funding available to cover associated costs.
If you are an employer and would like to learn more about partnering with South Bank Colleges, please read our guide:
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