As part of National Apprenticeship Week, Brindleyplace has welcomed two students from Kings Norton Sixth Form.
Fithi and Romeo, who are 17 years old, A Level Students and both studying Business, Politics and RE, have joined the Estate Team at Brindleyplace this week to undertake some work experience mainly shadowing the team and learning more about the workings of a mixed-use estate and the types of businesses and people that work here.
They study at Kings Norton Sixth Form where the Work Experience Programme for Year 12 students, aims to help prepare students for the change from education to work by giving them the opportunity to take part in a one-week work placement. Work experience is a statutory part of post-16 educational programmes, which enables students to develop their employability skills and helps with formulating plans for post-18 and beyond.
When the team at Brindleyplace were approached to help out with the experience, they jumped at the chance, eager to engage with a local school and share as much information as possible to help the two home in on their future career paths!
We sat down with Fithi and Romeo and asked them a few questions about their experiences:
What attracted you to work experience at Brindleyplace?
Romeo: I’m really interested in business and finance but having recently attended a BDO networking event, I am now eager to learn about the opportunities for both of these within the property sector.
Fithi: I too am interested in business and finance and had two other offers with accountancy firms to do virtual work experience. I chose the Brindleyplace work experience opportunity as I felt I would learn more about how the estate operates by being actually on location and having face-to-face conversations.
We understand you’ve been working under the supervision of Daniel and Peter our Facilities Co-Ordinator and Facilities Supervisor, what areas have you been working in?
Fithi: We’ve both had lots of tours of the estate so that we have a better understanding of the scale of it. I worked with the Front of House Team in 4 Brindleyplace answering the phone, responding to some emails and greeting tenants as they came into the building.
Romeo: I did pretty much the same as Fithi, but I was in Building 5! I also got to escort Daniel and check out the building’s parking spaces, making sure everyone was parked as they should be and there was no double parking!
Anything you’ve particularly enjoyed and anything that has surprised you?
Fithi: I have really enjoyed meeting the different tenants and talking to them about what they do. They have been really open with me and very happy to talk which surprised me as they are obviously on their way into work!
I’m also really surprised by how much of the admin work that goes on is paperless. I was particularly interested in the PRISM system we learned about that analyses much of the data around the estate and generates graphs and charts that make it easier to understand!
On a personal note, I love Greggs and am a bit disappointed you don’t have one! I love all the restaurants you have but I think the price points aren’t for the pocket of a 17 year old! I will return when I get a job!
Romeo: For me, it’s surprising how friendly people are! The Estate team have been very welcoming, and all the tenants are happy to talk to us about what they do and they’re equally keen to know what we’re studying. They all seem genuinely eager to make our experience here good and know that we’ve enjoyed our time here.
We know you’re travelling in from Bourneville, how are you finding your commute?
Romeo: I’ve been travelling by bus and it’s great, super easy. To be honest, I didn’t really know where Brindleyplace was in terms of proximity to the city centre until this week, but it’s so close and easy to get to. I’m definitely going to come back!
Fithi: I’ve been taking the train in and it’s really fast and then I just walk, usually through the ICC. I think it would be great to work here for nice walks at lunchtime and it’s nice it is so close to everything.
Finally, tell people a bit more about yourselves – what do you like doing when you’re not studying?
Romeo: I used to play basketball at a fairly high level. I have recently started training and competing again and am really enjoying it.
Fithi: I play football and also enjoy refereeing some local junior teams. I am also a FIFA Playstation addict!
Thanks Romeo and Fithi, we’ve really enjoyed having you at Brindleyplace and hope that your experience here will be useful to you in your future careers. It sounds like your key takeaways are that Brindleyplace is a friendly, helpful, customer-focussed community – that’s good to hear!
