Beginning Monday 21st March, we held our very first Dv8 work experience week. This saw our students from both Brighton and Bexhill placed with businesses around East Sussex (with the majority in the creative sector) for 2 days of the week, alongside practical workshops and our very own Creative Careers Day; a stellar line up of industry professionals to answer every burning question thrown at them from students and the public.
Dv8 work experience week was a tremendous success! Not only did our students gain a valuable insight in to the working world (which we all know can be a daunting and scary experience), some were even offered additional work, and one student was mentioned in Hastings Observer! We wanted to share just some of the fantastic feedback we’ve had from both our students and the employers kind enough to be a part in this important week.
Student feedback:
Toni (Live Events Intermediate) – The Theatre Royal
“It was fantastic, really, really good. We did a worksheet on the first day, ushering on the second and back of house on the third, where we got to do the sound desk. I really enjoyed the ushering but everything was really good. It was an absolutely wonderful placement.”
Laura (Live Events Intermediate) – The Theatre Royal
“Yeah I thought it was really good actually, really fun and interesting placement. I was there for three days and we did something different every day. So for the first day we were in the box office and then the 2nd ushering and working front of house and the 3rd day was in the evening doing back of house. I really enjoyed the front and back of house and found it really useful. Everyone was really welcoming and yeah I had a really good time.”
Beth (Live Events Intermediate) – Culture Shift
“Thank you so much Dv8 for giving me the opportunity to go out into the workplace and experience what I will be doing in the future I really enjoyed my work placement which has led me to gain new contacts and I am now on a extended work placement with Culture Shift.”
Josh (Music Production Intermediate) – Little Big (International Bookings agency)
“Yeah really, really good, really interesting stuff, really cool. I was going through marketing and advertising stuff for a band’s tour, checking that all the tour dates were on and things like that. It was really interesting and definitely a great company to work for if you’re interested in behind the scenes stuff. Really cool placement.”
Ollie (Music Production Intermediate) – Audio Active
“It was great, I really enjoyed it. They asked me to do another day which was pretty good, yeah really cool place, nice people.”
Patrick (Music Production Intermediate) – De La Warr Pavilion
“I found it interesting learning how The De La Warr operates and organises its events.”
Employer Feedback:
Dr Mick Taylor – Good Money workshops
“The students were the best group I’ve worked with on this – really impressed by their energy and willingness to grapple with tricky ideas…. thanks for having me – I really enjoyed it.”
Vincent Dance Theatre Workshop
Audio Active
“Tom was extremely pleased with Ollie and said that he can’t fault him, he has been enthusiastic and has taken a lot of initiative. He will be doing some further work with Tom on Thursday eve and Friday and he did extra work in Lewes on Tuesday eve.”
Debbie Clare – Little Big
“Josh is doing great and it has been a pleasure to have him around, he has done some really vital work for me, and hasn’t caused me any distraction or concern.”
Mandy Curtis – 18 hour Events
“Connor was very resourceful and a delight to have on work experience as he was able to suggest ideas to develop the tasks he undertook.”
“Jesse worked quickly and most importantly from an employer’s perspective he worked independently to write a press release and develop an Event Management Plan.”
Esther Springett – Towner Gallery
“It was a pleasure having Tasha on board with us, albeit brief. In just two days, she demonstrated great willing to get stuck-in, adapt to diverse tasks and changing demands in a busy gallery. Working alongside the learning team and technical department, Tasha supported the install of our Annual Schools Exhibition – showing initiative at painting a display piece for exhibition related books and helping ensure the build up to the launch ran smoothly.
I am sure with more time, Tasha’s confidence and communication skills would build as her familiarity with the workplace and her colleagues increased. We were impressed with her professional manner, patience and attention detail. We hope to see Tasha again at the gallery and have suggested she takes a look at our volunteer programme.”
We wanted to say a big thank you to everyone that made Dv8 work experience week possible, and a memorable and exciting week for our students.
You can find out how our Creative Careers Day went here.
Don’t forget you can to apply for our courses for 2016/17 here and be a part of all this magic. For more information email apply@dv8sussex.com or call 01273 550432
