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Ann Isherwood, a Work Experience Coach for Heart of Worcestershire College shares her experiences in her role and the importance of creating partnerships with employers in our local community. Hear her thoughts below: 

As a Work Experience Job Coach at Heart of Worcestershire College, one of the most rewarding parts of my role is helping students take their first confident steps into the world of work. I am proud to be working with businesses like Cotswold Oak, who actively support our students by offering meaningful work experience placements within the construction industry.

These placements are designed to help young people build confidence, develop practical and transferable skills, and gain a real understanding of the wide range of career opportunities available in construction. My focus is always on matching students to placements that reflect their individual interests, strengths, and future ambitions, ensuring that their experience is both relevant and genuinely valuable.

Working closely with Shaun Stenson, Contracts Manager at Cotswold Oak, I have been able to support students in accessing first‑hand experience within a real working environment. Shaun’s commitment to encouraging young people into the industry is clear, and his belief in the importance of practical, on‑site experience aligns strongly with my own approach to preparing students for employment.

The construction sector continues to face a shortage of young people entering skilled trades, making partnerships like this more important than ever. Work experience plays a vital role in helping students explore potential career pathways, understand workplace expectations, and gain insight into long‑term progression opportunities across the industry.

By opening their doors to our students, Cotswold Oak is helping to inspire the next generation to consider careers in construction — not only in skilled trades, but also in site management, technical, commercial, and support roles. Opportunities like these can make a real difference to a young person’s confidence, motivation, and future direction.

It is incredibly encouraging to work with employers who are willing to invest time in developing young talent and supporting local communities. Partnerships such as this demonstrate the positive impact that education and industry can achieve when they work together to support young people on their journey into employment.

Cotswold Oak’s ongoing commitment to work experience reflects a shared goal of inspiring future talent and creating strong pathways from education into sustainable careers across the region.

If you are a business or organisation who are looking to support the future generations of accountants, chefs, or whatever your speciality, consider working with our college. For more information, please contact solutions@howcollege.ac.uk