A DISC ‘Steps4Success’ student, Cassie, is enjoying her work placement at Durham with the Police and Crime Commissioners Team and hopes to continue her passion for law once she finishes the placement later in February, working as an apprentice at a law firm.
Cassie has been on the S4S programme at the charity DISC since last year and as part of her course has been travelling one day a week to her work placement since November. “I was really nervous at first. Even on the way to the interview in the car, but it turned out really well.”
Rebecca Drummond, S4S Employer Engagement Officer, helped secure Cassie’s placement as she knew she had an interest in law and wanted to pursue a career in the future. “It was really difficult to find Cassie a work placement andwe were pleased when the Commissioners’ Team agreed to take Cassie.
Cassie has really progressed as a person through this placement; she’s matured and grown in confidence.   “I’ve really enjoyed working at County Hall, the work’s been fun and interesting. As well as administration support I’ve been involved in designing certificates for schools and working on the website” said Cassie.
“When I graduate from S4S I hope to continue my studies in psychology and law and I’ve applied to be an apprentice at a local solicitor’s” adds Cassie.
Commissioner Ron Hogg said, “I have been delighted to assist with the work placement organised by DISC. Cassandra is a hard worker and has put her mind to any task asked of her. I wish her every success for the future”.
Steps4Success is a young person’s training scheme run by DISC which unlocks the potential of 16 to 18-year-olds who are not in education and employment.
Launched two- and-a-half years ago, to date, over 200 young people have benefited from practical advice, skills and confidence building courses and work placements with organisations including the Durham Police and Crime Commissioners Team, Little Cubs Day Nursery, Roman td, XCEL Centre, Greg Little Testing Centre, Agnew Centre Day Nursery and Bluebell Workshops.
Work experience pro-vides young people the opportunity to gain practical experience in a real working environment.  It is a valuable contribution by businesses to the development of young people’s employability skills and their career aspirations.
However, sourcing work placements can be difficult.and DISC thanks all the businesses that have supported the students and if any other businesses are interested in hosting a student on a work placement to make contact.  Free transport and bursaries are available, as well as help with other course costs. Contact 01325 731160 or steps4success@disc-vol.org.uk
DISC, Sapphire House, Horndale Avenue , Aycliffe Business Park. Tel: 01325 731 160