Work experience at Derwen College
Oswestry town councillor Paul Milner enjoyed a day of work experience at the specialist, Derwen College in Gobowen.
The councillor and Derwen College joined students working in the college’s Karten Print Shop to experience a day in the life of a Learning Support Assistant (LSA) who play a vital role in supporting students with their learning.
As part of his role, he helped students to create the giant banner which marks the beginning of the Sponsored Walk which will be held on March 31.
As governor at the college for young adults with learning difficulties and disabilities, Paul said he was aware of the vocational and independence skills taught at the college but was keen to be more involved at ground level. This wasn’t his first experience volunteering at Derwen College, he has previously worked as ‘LSA for a day’ with the college’s horticulture students.
He said: “I really enjoyed my time helping at Derwen. It was nice to see another aspect of the great work that the college does day to day, and to get to know the students and staff. Learning Support Assistants and teachers do such a great job working with and supporting the students.
“It was also great to talk to students about their experience at the college and see how well they worked together as a team,” he added.
Paul was keen to help create the banners for the college’s Sponsored Walk and Fun Run on March 31. He will be working as volunteer marshal on the day, cheering on and directing walkers and runners.
He said: “The Sponsored Walk is such a lovely community event and one of the college’s biggest fundraisers of the year. I was more than happy to help, and hope that more local people than ever will turn out to walk or run the 10k course this year.”
The 10k walk, starting and finishing at Derwen College in Gobowen is a popular walk with students and their families as well as the local community. And for the first time this year, there will be the option to run the 10k route.
To register to walk or run, volunteer as a marshal or to sponsor a student visit the website at www.supportderwen.org.uk, email bookings@derwen.ac.uk or telephone 01691 661234.
To find out more about volunteer opportunities at Derwen College visit www.derwen.ac.uk.
