Work Placement Opportunities
We welcome enthusiastic students wishing to gain first-hand experience within our support setting, and encourage them to attend The Next Step Trust as part of their work placement.
By interacting directly within a working environment students gain a valuable insight allowing them to make informed choices about their potential future career path.
Below are some testimonials from students who have enjoyed their time at the Centre on work placements.
If you are interested in a work placement scheme at The Next Step Trust, please contact us.
"Over the last week i have had a very enjoyable work experience. I have learnt so much from this and definitely know this is the type of career i want to pursue.
There is such a lovely and happy feeling here at Next Step and you can see how happy everyone is. I have loved spending time with all the next steppers and taking part in activities with them.
All the staff have been so friendly and welcoming towards me and i have had a fantastic week!".
Rhian Cairns
"My time at Next Step Trust has been an extremely rewarding experience. I found it touching to see how much time and effort each carer puts into each Next stepper. It's evident to see the amount of enjoyment and love the carers experience in their job when caring for each individual.
I worked with a different Next stepper each day and so got an insight into each of their individual needs, from one young man who is wheelchair bound and needs assistance when having his lunch, to a young lady who offered me a cup of tea and frequently making conversation. I have learnt a lot about how to care for people and how to assist those with different requirements and personal needs.
I had the great privilege to take part in several activities which the Next Steppers undergo, I have been to hydrotherapy, I have helped with baking, physiotherapy, shopping, trips out and more simply going into the sensory room listening to music and watching a DVD (Mamma Mia seems to be a favourite).
Everyone at Next Step Trust was extremely welcoming and I could approach anyone if I had any queries or questions. I felt quite at home - even if it was just for a week.
Overall it has been a great experience meeting all the Next Steppers and seeing their progression from the past until now. I won't forget all their smiling faces of each of the people there, both carers and Next Steppers.
I would like to thank all the staff at Next Step Trust for allowing me to come and experience the day to day activities, the environment, and the atmosphere at the centre. I hope to return in the future to see how much more everyone has progressed and to say hello.
Thank you"
Megan Gee
"My time at Next step has been an eye opener.
The next Steppers are all wonderful and I've thoroughly enjoyed spending time with them. Talking with them over a cup of tea first thing in the morning was a great way to begin the day.
The support workers made me feel very welcome from the outset, and helped to ease me into the Next Step world. They provide a wide range of unparalleled support for all the different needs the next steppers have.
Although at first I was apprehensive I've become more relaxed and begun to enjoy my time here.
Thanks for having me".
Daniel Cawthorn
"Next Step Trust has been a real eye opener for me. The experience has given me many new skills and attributes.
I did a placement at next step a few years ago, since then i have learnt more about communication and catering for the young people with complex needs. I have been able to put my knowledge from my A levels into practice here at Next step Trust.
All the staff and service users have been amazing; they have allowed me to gain the experience that is needed for my course. I have also had the chance to meet most of the staff and see how they ended up working at Next Step.
It has been fantastic to watch the staff helping such incredible individuals. It is also extremely rewarding when you see a strong connection between the service users and staff. Taking part in activities and helping staff organise events has involved me in the service. I think that Next Step Trust is a truly amazing place and rewarding for people to be part of it.
I would like to thank everyone at next step trust for giving me prior knowledge for the working world and witness what goes on in this caring setting. Everyone has been really helpful and I would recommend anyone to have work experience here".
Sam Duncan