Students were given the exclusive opportunity to work with professionals in various organisations including Barclays Bank, Basildon Hospital, Bulldog Digital Media, GKM Aerospace, Haart Estate Agents, MooreWays Scaffolding, Orsett Hospital, Riverside Veterinary Group, Superdrug, Tesco and Timeline Auctions Ltd.

Employers have been extremely complementary of the students;

Fantastic feedback has been received from Mr Ian Hampshire, Headteacher at Greensted Junior School following the placement of five students completing their work experience. Mr Hampshire commented that they were ‘’courteous, punctual, pro-active and had a good attitude to work’’ He described them as ‘’a credit to The Basildon Upper Academy.’’

“Kelci (Huggins) has been brilliant and has adapted to working in different departments extremely well. Whatever we have asked her to do she has done with a smile on her face.” Christy Underwood - Rooms Division Manager, Holiday Inn Hotel Basildon.

 “Marzana (Ahmed) has taken ownership of the tasks we have taught her and shown a good level of responsibility.” Nicole Morrell Customer Services Officer - NatWest Bank, Basildon.

“Nicholas (Pierrie) is getting on very well, he’s enjoying the creative side of Bulldog. He has been producing work for clients and created 5 Facebook adverts for companies.”  Gabby Cohen - Digital Marketing Manager, Bulldog Digital Media

“Lukasz (Mrozowski) works well with children and is keen to help. He will ask what he can do if he feels he has completed the task that he has been given. He is very polite and treats both adults and children with respect” Miss Baker – Year 5 Teacher, St Teresa’s Catholic Primary School.

“It has been a delight having Leah (Charman) do her work experience with us. Leah is a very polite and warming and she always make sure clients are happy.” Demi Gullen, Stranndz Glow Tanning Salon.

“Kristine (Smilga) is a very polite young lady, always helpful & on time. She works well in a team and it is lovely to have her with us.” Louise Rogers - Foxhound Riding School, Orsett.

Students have really benefited from their experiences;

Daisie Lee, who spent her two weeks at Barnett Bear Nursery, said: I am really glad I came on this placement. It has given me an idea of what I want to do in the future, I am now interested in pursuing a career in Child Care.”

Lewis Bates & Joshua Masser were set a task of setting up & designing a fully functional website from scratch during their placement at Billericay IT Solutions. Lewis commented: “This has been a useful insight into the world of work and has helped to give me experience of what a job in this industry entails.”

"Working at the Holiday Inn Hotel has really opened up my eyes to the world of work! I have learned many new skills.” Kelci Huggins - Holiday Inn Hotel Basildon.

Remmie Cook, worked at Greensted Infant & Nursery school; “I hadn't considered becoming a teacher before, now I think it is something I would like to be.”