Orion Academy Provider Access Policy
Orion Academy’s careers leader is Diane Waine. She can be contacted on: office@orionacademy.co.uk or on 01865 771703.
Work Experience Opportunities at Orion Academy
At Orion Academy we value the links that we are forming with local employers in order to support the students to engage with meaningful work experience placements.
One such opportunity, currently enjoyed by Kailan, a year 10 student, is working alongside Jason from YES (Youth Engagement Service) to access work experience at a village garage, Automative Extras Ltd. Here he has hands on experience working as a mechanic in a calm, quiet and supportive environment.
Jason’s role is to assist and mentor Kailan at each session to help build his self-esteem and keep him motivated. Kailan shows focus and dedication and this is recognized by the owner who says that, ‘he is doing well; no two days are ever the same. One minute he will be changing a tyre for an elderly local resident and the next he’s raising the ramps and changing the alternator on a track race car!’
YES will also offer Kailan a gym and fitness session at OXRAD to help build his physical strength and to cope with the demands of this type of manual work. Kailan is only too aware of the importance of eating a nutritional lunch and remaining hydrated throughout the day with water and the occasional cup of tea!
Next steps:
Kailan will stay with YES until the end of year 11 in order to gain his qualifications and Orion Academy will then source and apply for a college course or apprenticeship. With the experience gained from YES and AE Ltd this will be a straightforward and seamless entry into Post 16.
