Five Go To Sweden

Five young people from Doncaster College visited Norrköping, Sweden recently to take part in a work experience opportunity.

All five students (Adam Beggs, JP Heseltine, Ben Sweeney, Charlotte Lunn and Sarah Johnson) chose to do different placements.

Ben Sweeney, a former Lifeskills student at the College, chose to complete his placement in an outdoor sports shop.

Charlotte, 17, who is a hairdressing student, worked as part of a large team restocking shelves in a supermarket.

She reflected on the experience saying, "I feel I have gained confidence because when I was in Doncaster I wasn't that confident and I now feel like I have experienced a lot"

"I had a great time," said Ben, 18, "but I worked hard as well!"

JP Heseltine, 19, Vol.Success Volunteer, developed his interest in the hospitality industry and worked in a restaurant where he worked in the kitchens on food preparation and in the Restaurant serving customers. JP was able to taste a range of foods, many for the first time.

Sarah Johnson, Level 1 Hair student and Vol.Success Volunteer, worked in a primary school and was allocated to a class so got to know the children and teacher very well. Sarah, 18, really enjoyed the experience and said it gave her bags of confidence.

Adam Beggs, worked in a Kindergarten. He found the language barrier challenging at first but soon overcame this by a shared understanding of nursery rhymes.

Adam, 18, said, "All of the children and staff were so kind. I learnt how to sing Incy Wincy Spider in Swedish!"

The students were supported on their trip to Sweden by two staff, Natalie Marshall and Lyn Lawrence, from the Department of Welfare and Lifeskills at Doncaster College.

JP described the visit to Sweden as, "the best two weeks of my life."