CREWE'S South Cheshire College has launched a new initiative to help Entry Level students find work placements and employment when they finish their studies.

The college has set up the scheme, called ‘Ready to Work’, to try and match students with work they find enjoyable and relates to what they have studied.

In summer next year some 17 Entry Level students will all be leaving college in search of employment or work placements.

The college has appointed a dedicated work placement co-ordinator Carol Thelwall, who is visiting local employers to try and secure work and placements for them. A number of employers in Crewe and Nantwich have agreed to take on Entry Level students but the project aims to get many more employers on board.

Entry Level programmes are for students with learning difficulties or disabilities and give them the opportunity to learn life skills through fun activities.

Programmes of study include Independent Living Skills, Art and Media, Business, Administration and Retail, Hair and Beauty and Hospitality and Catering.

Anne Timmis, head of curriculum for Entry Level, said: “We hope that launching this scheme will enable us to work more closely with local employers and help our Entry Level students to progress once they leave college.

“Many of the work placements are being fixed up before they leave college so they can gain some valuable experience of the workplace.

“If students impress during their placements, it could lead to permanent employment which would be a real boost for all our students.”

The college is also hosting a special open evening for parents on Wednesday November 25 from 5.30pm to 7pm to explain the scheme in more detail.

Anne added: “It is important that students progress into work once they finish their Entry Level programme and hopefully this scheme will create more opportunities for them.

“We have some excellent Entry Level students at college who can be a big asset to employers.”