Work placements are looking bright for the RICC

Published - 30th Mar

There has been a significant uptake of European work placements in recent years, according to the Training Partnership located in Torquay, and this can be seen as a direct result of organisations seeking cost effective staffing solutions during tough economic conditions.

“The Training Partnership was established in 1996, said Ian Smith, Work Placement Manager at The Training Partnership Ltd, “and since then we have hosted and welcomed over 5,000 European students and visiting Delegate Educational Groups. Over recent years we have seen a significant increase in the number of organisations willing to offer placements and this has meant we have been able to supply highly suitable students with relevant skills to these organisation’s requirements.“

The Riviera International Centre is one of many organisations who have welcomed European students enabling them to immerse themselves into a workplace to improve their written and spoken English as well as gain invaluable work experience. Such placements have also offered additional admin support to the Riviera Centre during busy periods.

“Our first European student was a 19 year old from France, said Jenny Thompson; Operations Manager at the Riviera Centre. Her name was Cecile and her placement was for 2 months within the New Business Development Team. Cecile was undertaking an International Business and Economics degree so she was extremely capable with handling admin tasks and her English was superb. So much so, that we were more than happy to welcome our current Italian student; Giovanna Rainó, into the team for a 3 month placement.”

Jenny continued “Giovanna is a very bright young woman and has provided extensive support to the Centre over the past couple of months, particularly helping with back office support of the South Devon Tourism & Business Exhibition which we recently organised.”

Giovanna has recently undertaken an Economics degree and is seeking to develop her newly learnt skills as well as increase her proficiency of the English language.

“This is the first time I have visited England, said Giovanna, and I am very happy to have obtained a work placement that is so close to the beach. I am enjoying living and working in Torbay and have been warmly welcomed both by the family I am living with and the team I am working with.”

For more information on the Training Partnership please visit www.ttpl-uk.com or call 01803 321 210.