Two students from our Walford campus have been recognised for their dedication and professionalism during weekly work placements at in Oswestry.
Brayden and Mason were presented with certificates during their final session at the gym, where they鈥檝e spent one day a week as part of their Work and Independence pathway, with a focus on sport. Gym owner Ollie Burnett praised their hard work and thanked them for their commitment and progress over two years.
Ollie said: “I’m very proud to award them with certificates to mark two years of work experience as assistant fitness instructors. During their time here, they’ve carried out maintenance and safety checks on our gym equipment, kept the gym environment clean and tidy, assisted with stock management, designed and delivered training programmes and have completed induction assessments. I’ve loved seeing them progress, and their confidence grow, over the two years.
Starting with cleaning and equipment maintenance checks, Brayden and Mason have gradually taken on more responsibility, including supporting with gym member inductions, a clear sign of the trust and confidence they earned over their two years at the gym.
Confident and independent
They have been supported each week by Learning Support Practitioner and job coach Zoe Calloway, who said:
鈥淲e鈥檙e so grateful to Ollie and for the great relationship we鈥檝e had with Core Gym. Over two years, we鈥檝e seen Brayden and Mason鈥檚 confidence grow so much. It鈥檚 at placements like this that our students really shine. They鈥檙e treated like any other staff member, and I鈥檝e been able to step back and let them get on with their jobs. They鈥檝e gone from being quiet and shy and scared of making mistakes, to being confident and independent.鈥�
Student Mason added: 鈥淲e鈥檝e enjoyed working at Core Gym every week. We鈥檝e learnt how to be professional and how to support new members, but we鈥檝e also had some fun. Thanks, Ollie!鈥�
In addition to Core Gym, both students have completed placements at听Shrewsbury Sports Village听and听The Keystone Academy听in Shrewsbury. Their full-time timetable at mv天美mv天美 Walford campus includes a听BTEC Introductory Certificate in Sport,听functional skills,听PSHE,听independent living skills, and听wellbeing.
Brayden and Mason will continue their career journey in September, starting Supported Internships to further enhance their work skills and opportunities for employment after College.
Catching up with Jack
During their final visit to Core Gym, the team were also delighted to catch up with former Derwen Colllege Walford student Jack, who is now employed part-time at the gym and also works as a lifeguard at Oswestry Leisure Centre. Jack continues to pursue his passion for sport through gymnastics and trampolining, and is working towards further qualifications in the sports and fitness sector.