At Seashell, we provide a supported employment approach that helps students explore the world of work through inclusive, real-life experiences. By removing barriers and making reasonable adjustments, we ensure every student can participate, develop skills and succeed in meaningful workplace opportunities.
Our vision is to enable every student to explore a world of work that is accessible to them, develop their own aspirations, and make informed choices about their future.
To celebrate this, we held a Student Careers Showcase on 17 June in our Ged Mason Building. Local businesses were invited to hear from our staff about our work experience model, and watch our students share their professional CVs and all the skills they have gained through meaningful employment opportunities.
Our programme supports students to access placements across a range of industries, with personalised job-carved roles that are sustainable for both the individual and the employer. Through this, students are supported to work in environments that recognise their strengths and enable them to be valued members of the workforce.
Royal College Manchester Co-Principal Katherine Watson shared our careers strategy and our vision for programme growth and engagement. There is growing demand and capacity for new placements, experiences and sectors, and our current partners are helping us scale our work and reach more students than ever before. Currently, 29 of our 73 students are accessing offsite work experience, and we are building a pipeline of work-ready young people who need opportunities.
We also shared a video about an ex-student, Harry, who has gained paid employment at both Seashell and The Light Cinema. You can watch Harry’s story here.
Read more about our Careers, Information, Advice and Guidance Strategy below:
Student CVs
After this, we heard from three students about their experience with work placements and their future ambitions. Max has done placements with the National Trust, Laltex, and Seashell, and was very excited to announce he has landed a paid role at Seashell as a Facilities Support Assistant! Max has been hugely successful in his placement this term, where he restocks, delivers packages, organises, greets people and cleans.
“I am an organised, observant and helpful young man with strong teamwork and communication skills. I am confident, sociable and able to speak in public settings in front of a group. I have good problem-solving skills. I am reliable, determined, and committed to achieving high standards in everything I do,” said Max.
“My aspiration is to work in a positive enjoyable environment where I feel happy and motivated. I have a strong interest in marketing, fundraising, front-of-house roles, as well as packaging and organisation, where I can develop my skills and contribute effectively.”
Next, Romany shared her varied work experience portfolio and the placements she enjoyed. Romany has worked as an Arts and Crafts volunteer, a Hotel Housekeeping Assistant, a Facilities Support Assistant at a cinema, a Gymnastics Club Assistant, and a Packaging Operative at Swizzels.
“My aspiration is to work in a positive and enjoyable environment when I can feel free, happy and motivated. I have a strong interest in hospitality, customer service, retail and café work, where I can develop my skills and provide excellent service,” said Romany.
Laneyle was our final presentation, who shared about her work experience, interests and skills. Laneyle currently works as a Health and Safety Advisor at Bentley and recently started a placement at PR firm Brazen.
“I am an organised, observant and helpful person with good teamwork and communication skills. I am creative with tasks and can use basic digital literacy confidently to support my learning and work,” said Laneyle.
“My aspiration is to be happy and work in an environment that I enjoy. I have a particular interest in organisation, typing, café work, carrying out health and safety checks, and gardening.”
Afterwards, we heard from Gill Lalley from Laltex, who have been supporters for many years and were one of the first companies to employ a Seashell student – You can read more about Armaghan’s story here. Laltex recently received a King’s Award for Enterprise in the category of Promoting Opportunity through Social Mobility for providing accessible work opportunities.
“Being part of the supported employment initiative has been incredibly rewarding. It’s not just about creating job opportunities, it’s about building confidence, independence, and a genuine sense of belonging. Seeing individuals grow, develop new skills, and thrive in the workplace reinforces why this initiative matters so much. At Laltex Group, we’re proud to play a role in breaking down barriers and demonstrating the positive impact inclusive employment can have on both people and businesses.”
We were so pleased have Swizzels deliver a workshop in the afternoon, where students could practise hands-on packaging work.
Whether you already work with us, or are beginning to explore this, there is a place for you in our journey and we can continue to grow opportunities that genuinely change futures. If you’d like to support a disabled young person access meaningful opportunities, get in touch at CollegeWEX@seashelltrust.org.uk.
