SeaGrown Work Experience Placement
This case study focuses upon a one week work experience placement held at SeaGrown, a small company who are establishing a seaweed farm off of the Yorkshire Coast through support from the Coastal Communities Fund. The sustainable crop produced will be utilized to create products such as biodegradable plastics, pharmaceuticals and, cosmetics. As a result, the work experience placement provided was a hands-on, practical experience for the learner, which covered a wide range of the company’s day-to-day operations.
Teacher Feedback
‘Here at the UTC we understand the importance of work experience in preparing our students for the real world of work. Not only does it give
them a taste of the different sectors and roles available to them, it helps them understand what employers expect and look for in employees. It is a real chance to get hands on experience and to see the value of their learning in a practical environment. We work with some
really fantastic employers who provide a great work experience to our students in many different sectors and job types, meaning our students can access a variety of activities. These employers play a key role in the process, and for them it is a chance to see the next generation of employees who will be key in ensuring their businesses continue to thrive. Work experience is an invaluable tool for our students. In giving them the opportunity to be in a different environment you can really see their personal growth as they understand the relevance of their learning and also find within themselves skills they didn’t know they had. It’s a real confidence booster and the students are always enthusiastic to go, and really positive after they come back
– Victoria Riley, Scarborough UTC
Learner Feedback
‘I did my work experience at SeaGrown where I harvested and processed seaweed and did maintenance on the boat. I learned a lot about the business but also teamwork and cooperation. I really liked the fact it was all hands on and that it was outdoor work. I’d definitely
recommend this for other people, I really enjoyed it’
– Harvey, Learner at Scarborough UTC
Employer Feedback
‘SeaGrown was happy to host a work experience placement because, as a company, we place a high value on quality people. If we are able to make a positive impact on a young person at a key stage of their life, we view this as an investment in the future, in terms of developing a motivated, talented and capable workforce. We tried to expose Harvey to as many aspects of the business as we could and no doubt he enjoyed some more than others, but through this exposure we hope he added to his life experience and that he gained an insight into life in a small company such as SeaGrown. We would like to wish Harvey all the very best for his future career and thank him for his
effort during his work experience placement. Well Done!’
– Wave Crookes, SeaGrown
