Talent Plus for Mersey Docks and Harbour
Jan joined Blue Orchid’s Talent Plus programme on 15th March 2010.
As a mature graduate who had studied whilst working, Jan wanted to pursue a career in teaching and needed some teaching experience to help with evidence to do a PGCE that she had planned in 6 months’ time. Jan also had a gap of a couple of years in her CV and was struggling to find relevant work experience to help her in the next stage of her career.
Through the training at Blue Orchid Jan further identified her love of numeracy and, through goal setting and career coaching, was confident that teaching and using her numerical skills would be the right career path for her. Jan completed the 11 planned training sessions over 4 weeks at Blue Orchid and in her last week, following an in-depth career planning session with one of the Placement Officers and an interview, was matched and secured for a placement with Mersey Docks and Harbour.
It had been a few years since Jan had had an interview, but she was excited about the role and could see that it would enable her to gain fresh work experience and evidence of training for her PGCE. During the training at Blue Orchid Jan rehearsed her interview techniques using role play, and felt confident attending the proper interview. The placement officer involved had already placed graduates with the company and was able to give Jan an insight into the company and what they look for.
Jan started her placement with Mersey Docks and Harbour as a full-time paid intern from 19th April, training staff in the haulage section.
Jan was supported throughout the placement - her placement officer visited Jan and corresponded with her via calls and emails throughout the placement, and had wonderful feedback about her from HR. The role was a short-term project, bearing in mind that Jan had her place to start her PGCE in September.
The following was quoted about Jan from her Line Manager:
“I just wanted to let you know what an excellent job Jan did for us whilst she was working in the safety department. She completed the job in hand and did it in a very professional and efficient manor. Jan put in the extra to ensure the job was done and came up with suggestions and ways of working to improve the system. The time Jan has spent with us was invaluable and got a job done that would otherwise have required me to stay at work after hours to complete it or taken a number of weeks if done during the working day. Thank you so much for including us in Jan’s schedule and I am confident other departments will benefit from the time Jan spends with them. Thanks.”
