Loughborough College students have earned praise for their outstanding performance on work experience with a local employer – with one impressing so much he has been offered a job.
Ben Wheeler and Reece Halford, who study Creative Media and Charlie Bolton, who is working towards his Extended Diploma in Business, were all given the opportunity through the College-based REED NCFE team to develop a range of skills with Loughborough-based Tranquil Plants.
Stefan Thomas, who owns the UK leading Bonsai Kokedama specialist supplier, said: “Our company ethos is ‘Creating tranquil moments in people’s lives through inspiring plants’ and each of the students has been involved in supporting that through our business, from helping on the production line to marketing the brand.
“Reece, Ben and Charlie are all very eager to learn and to come up with their own ideas and concepts. It has been great to work with such passionate, motivated and charming students and I am delighted to be able to offer Charlie a part-time job.”
“Work placements provide crucial skills and experience for students to help them in their progression plans and future employment and really help to bring out their very best qualities,” added Dale Barrass, Creative media progress tutor at Loughborough College. “Ben and Reece are really enjoying working with Tranquil Plants and the company has been very impressed with the students’ work ethic and attitude. It’s feedback they should both be very proud of.”
Charlie, 18, says he has enjoyed every minute of his work experience with Stefan and Tranquil Plants, “from cleaning the moss through to everyday care of the plants to ensure they’re in top condition for customers to learning the specialist techniques to create the finished product. I’ve also been working on photography and involved in proposals to develop the website.
“I’ve been able to develop so many skills and gained such an insight into all aspects of business. I’ve also been able to bring that back to my course at Loughborough College, where I am aiming to achieve a triple Distinction star.
“I was so excited when Stefan told me he was offering me a part-time job with the company. They are growing rapidly and I hope I can continue to play even a small part in their success.”
“All the Loughborough College students have really enjoyed being part of this successful, growing company,” said Rachel Wade, Senior Employment Broker. “And from all of us at the Reed team, we would like to congratulate Charlie on the amazing attitude and positive mind set on his work placement which have led to him securing a part time role with Tranquil Plants. This goes to show that hard work really does pay off.”
Pictured: (from Left) Loughborough College students who have impressed local employer Tranquil Plants – Ben Wheeler, Charlie Bolton and Reece Halford
To find out more about Tranquil Plants go to: https://www.tranquilplants.co.uk