A WORCESTER college is teaming up with a housing and care provider to give students an insight into the working world.

As part of a new education initiative, Sanctuary Group, which is based in Castle Street, will offer work placements to Worcester Sixth Form College students in various departments, taking part in mock interviews and attending presentations about specific business areas of the group, from human resources and finances to public relations and community investment.

The partnership has been designed to demonstrate the different routes into employment available to the students, including apprenticeships and graduate schemes.

Sophie Atkinson, Sanctuary’s head of community investment and sustainability, said: “Given the competitive job market, it is so important for pupils to get a step ahead by gaining valuable work experience. We hope this partnership will not only give students the confidence to take advantage of the opportunities available to them but also build on their career aspirations.”

Staff from Sanctuary will also attend careers and employment fairs held by the college to promote the group’s apprenticeship and graduate schemes and other employment opportunities.

Pauline Mason, head of student services at the college, said: “The college has been working informally with Sanctuary for some time, but we are really looking forward to a structured working partnership within which our students can gain a range of experiences of the world of work and be supported in their progression into employment.”