Calico has welcomed five Year 10 students for work experience, one of the highest numbers in one week to date, in a continued effort to raise aspirations, support local schools, and give young people meaningful insight into the world of work.
Originally set to host three students across Down Town and Ring Stones, the team stepped in when the Education Business Partnership contacted us about two additional students who had been let down by other organisations. Thanks to quick coordination and support from colleagues across the business, all five students were offered placements.
This week’s students gained experience across a range of services, including Governance & Assurance, HR and Training, Ring Stones, and Down Town. Each placement gave students a chance to explore real life work environments while learning about the breadth of careers available within The Calico Group.
As part of Calico’s commitment to giving back to the community, work experience placements are designed to be personalised and supportive. Rachel Jackson, who coordinates the programme, ensures every student is matched with a department that aligns with their skills or interests, whether they already have a clear ambition or are still figuring it out.
Before placements begin, Rachel works with the school to understand how Calico can best support each student and each young person is invited to visit for an introduction, a tour, and a run-through of what to expect. They receive a work experience booklet to complete during the week, helping them reflect on their learning. On the final day, Rachel meets with each student to review their experience, gather feedback and round off the experience whilst also celebrating their commitment by providing them with their own Certificate.
“For Calico, this is about genuinely supporting our community; raising aspirations for young people and giving them real, meaningful experiences that can help shape their futures,” said Rachel.
“We want every student to walk away feeling more confident about what they enjoy, what they’re good at, and what possibilities are out there for them.
“For the students, stepping into a workplace can feel like a big leap, so we make sure they’re supported every step of the way.
“We try to place them somewhere that matches their interests, but we also encourage them to try new things. It gives them a glimpse of real responsibility, the rhythms of working life, and the sense of pride that comes with it.”
Requests for placements peak in January, with enquiries coming directly from students, local schools, and colleges. Schools such as Unity and Blessed Trinity already have more students lined up for upcoming weeks, and interest continues to grow.
One student who spent their week with the HR Department was full of praise upon completing their placement.
They said: “I’ve really enjoyed my week at Calico. Everyone has been lovely and friendly, and I’d recommend Calico to everyone.
“The one world I’d use to describe my week of work experience is EPIC!”
Beyond school programmes, Calico also supports older learners and those exploring new career paths. For example, a university student seeking project management experience will be welcomed into the Digital Transformation team later this year.
Between April 2025 and April 2026, we’ve committed to providing 198 working days of work experience, which equates to just short of 40 weeks. These range from week-long experiences to placements spread over a number of months. The group is also developing wider employment pathways for people aged 16 and over, ensuring opportunities remain flexible and accessible to those ready to take their next step into work.
Due to high demand, work experience applications are now fully booked until the end of the summer term. However, Calico offers a strong volunteering programme for people looking for longer-term experience or a stepping stone into employment.
For more information or to request an application form, contact volunteering@calico.org.uk.
