Testimonials

"We had a very positive experience working with Countec, whose staff are friendly and always willing to help make the process as clear as po...
"What I see in these young people is hope. Today I met a lot of young people who were engaging, intelligent and bright" - Martin Brockleban...
‘’The NHBC is very proud to be associated with Countec and the excellent work they do. The Fresh Minds Event was a fantastic opportunity for...
"I was greatly impressed with the confidence and interest of the students and their use of follow up questions. I hope when they come to th...
"I believe Primary WorkOut! has broadened the thinking of many of our pupils and hopefully raised aspirations in addition to providing a gr...
"I was amazed at how well my son managed being 'on stage' - totally out of his comfort zone and something he has struggled with very much in...
"Bright, curious, open, children" - Professor Malcolm Harper, formerly Cranfield University
"City Centre WorkOut! was great fun. I loved talking to the kids, so enthusiastic" - Natalie Wright, NHS Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre
"It felt good to help young people and I was a lot more comfortable around them than I expected" - Paul Stagg, DHL
"Results at iPEC have improved considerably since June 2010, and using the DfE 2009/10 performance data for all UK Alt Ed, PRUs and Hospital...
"It was good for the pupils to be treated like an adult with respect. Thoroughly enjoyed by all and would definitely encourage it take plac...
"I learnt that what you dream of as a job is not always what you get" – Leona, Year 6 pupil, Oxley Park School.
"It’s wonderfully refreshing to put myself back in the innocent mind of a child – lots of laughter." – Amanda Smyth, Dominos Pizza.
"It was a definite eye opener for me into how today’s 14 year olds think. I was left with a very positive impression of the students" - Simo...
"I'm quite new to this kind of work in schools and wasn't sure how the pupils would react. it's been very enjoyable" - Andy Pennock, NHBC
“The overall communication has been excellent and a substantial improvement over previous years. As a school we have been very impressed an...
“The placements were well matched to the complexities that our students present and this enabled the placements to be successful” – Leigh Si...
“Countec have been fantastic at keeping the school informed on progress/issues. I cannot stress enough the benefit to our students” – Grace...
“You have to work hard for what you want” – Victoria Hardwick, Year 10 student, The Radcliffe School.
"Our teams enjoy communicating and interacting with the younger generation" - Walter Tyrer, HR Manager, John Lewis Partnership
"Work Experence gives our staff a great opportunity to learn about some of the latest trends with young people" - Walter Tyrer, HR Manager, ...
"Because our students were so well placed they went to work experience with positive attitudes and were able to shine. That’s all down to y...
‘I learned a lot about my job! I was also interested in the students’ attitudes and it was a better impression than I was expecting’ – Clau...
‘I enjoyed every minute. It helped me develop and get over my fear of standing up and speaking’ – David Wake, John Lewis Partnership.
"What's great about WorkOut! for our staff who participate is how energising it is" - Walter Tyrer, HR Manager, John Lewis Partnership
"At first I wasn't happy that my son had been referred to iPEC but now think it was the best thing that happened to him" - Ms. Moss, parent.
"Primary WorkOut! showed our Year 5-6 pupils the breadth of occupations in MK and you get more from work than just paying for your basic nee...
"Primary WorkOut! was a great opportunity for our pupils and teachers to ask questions and get feedback from the people who really do the wo...
“Countec staff have been very helpful, communicative and supportive of my son’s needs throughout, always responding in good time and being f...
"Doing the WorkOut! session was the most useful hour I've spent in a long time" - Karen Mason of Novalex Solicitors, www.novalex.co.uk
"I loved the WorkOut! session. Thank you whoever organised it." - Jacob Yeboah, Oxley Park Primary School pupil
"I wish I had this (Primary WorkOut!) when I was their age" - Paul Romans, SNO!zone
"The Countec facilitators were very effective" - Teacher, Oxley Park Primary School
"The best bit of Get That Job! was the student involvement in short-listing applicants" - Dhiraj Padhlar, Teaching Assistant, Leon School
"Our less able learners coped very well because there was great support from Countec staff" - Jon Burgess, Deputy Headteacher, Leon School
"The employer guests gave the same, consistent message about work and inspired our learners" - Jon Burgess, Deputy Head, Leon School
"It was great to find out how the young people think and see their enthusiasm" - Tabatha Beesley, Beesley & Sons Farm
"What I enjoyed most was the childrens' questions - made me remember why I love my job" - Paul Romans, SNO!Zone, Xscape
"Activities like this create so much enthusiasm and creativity and are vital for young people preparing for work" – Eric Coveney, Beardow Ad...
"I had so much fun doing the WorkOut! session" - Emi-Lu Daley, Frantic-UK Dance Company
“It was a pleasure to see children learning from people in the community, not teachers.” – David Harper, Headteacher, Heronsgate Primary Sch...
'Students increase in maturity and engage in self-reflection' - Ofsted Jan 2011 about iPEC
"Lovely students...Count me in for next time!" - Helen Spary, Above And Beyond Events
"I learnt a lot from the students and the event helped me reflect on what I’ve done and where I am now." - Irene Beck, FCO Services.
"Really well organised. Countec staff and business people were great with the students." - Jayne Webster, Maths Teacher, Shenley Brook End
"Your team are great and I look forward to working with you and the employers all again." - Jon Burgess, Deputy Headteacher, Leon School.
"Our whole experience of Get That Job! was superb, for both students and staff. Amazing learning curve." - Barbara McGlory, White Spire Sch...
'Our Careers and Work Experience arrangements were described by OFSTED as exceptional. Thank you, Countec!' - St. Paul's school
"I love what I do for a career and to be able to talk about it is just a bonus" - Emi-Lu Daley, Frantic-UK Dance Company

Supported Placements

Students can be referred for a Supported Placement for a number of reasons: they may have behavioural issues, a Statement of Educational Need or may simply have dropped a subject and have availability in their timetable.

Previously known as SWEEP placements, these are normally set up for six weeks, 1 or 2 days per week; if the initial placement is successful an extension can be discussed. Placements can continue for a number of weeks. Duration of placement, number of days, etc, are all negotiable.

Currently we have students on placement in the following work areas: childcare, motor mechanics, manufacturing, warehousing, landscaping, property maintenance, hairdressing, retail, health & fitness, IT and catering.

The process is as follows:

Completed Application Form received by Countec
Student meets with Supported Placement Officer at Countec offices
Suitable employer match is identified by Countec
Student attends employer interview; Supported Placements Officer will collect student from school, take the student to interview and then return the student to school after interview.

Prior to interview the Supported Placements Officer will spend 30 minutes with the student in school discussing the placement, expectations and interview skills.

Placement commences. Supported Placements Officer will contact employer weekly for an update on progress and make a minimum of one visit per 6 weeks, more if there are problems or issues to resolve.

School will receive regular updates on attendance and progress.

Cost of Supported Placement

Set up fee: £185.00

Fee for every 6 weeks of supported placement: £ 110.0

Cost of Extra Supported Placement

Sometimes it is necessary for the student to be classed as extra supported. Suitable for students with additional support needs e.g. SEN or where additional employer visits / school visits / home visits are necessary.

This can be negotiated with school and fees are as follows:

Extra Supported Set up Fee: £ 236.00

Extra Supported Fee for every 6 weeks of placement £160.00

Benefits

Obviously the benefits of a Supported Placement varies from student to student but for some it can be exactly what they need to motivate them. One recent Supported student recently told Countec:

‘'I am working with a lovely team here at Ramada Encore Hotel and they have made me feel very welcome. I work two days per week and have a steady workload so am busy all day. I am really enjoying the placement.’’ – Milton Keynes Academy, year 10 student.

We provide this service to many local schools and receive excellent feedback both for the efficiency of the service and the impact the service has on students' progression.

‘The support provided to our school students has been excellent this year’ – Leigh Siddon, Gatehouse school.

‘Brilliant Service’ – Sue Jones, Lord Grey School.