In February 2022 we provided work experience placements for three boys from Crookhorn College. The three fourteen year olds arrived nervous but excited at Comserv’s offices in Havant. They were looking forward to seeing how their two weeks would pan out.

Upon their arrival on the first day they were given their initial Induction training and issued with Comserv uniforms.

Once their health and safety training was complete, they were each paired up with an Operative and were sent out in the vans to their first jobs.

A week later, our Communications Advisor – Julie Strutt went out to visit the boys on their placements to see how they were getting on…

Andrew worked in a void property for part of his placement and whilst there fitted the bathroom floor tiles completing a very neat job. He was based with one of our Multitrade Operatives – Steve Brooks who said that he had fitted it as well as any of our own staff.

One of the advantages to a placement at Comserv is that no two days are the same. We employ a range of specialists from carpenters to plumbers, electricians to groundworkers. One day could involve preparing a room for painting and decorating, and the next could find you fitting a new garden gate or internal door. On the left Andrew is with Steve Brooks.

Samuel was based with one of our Carpenters – James Thatcher. James spent time demonstrating the correct way to use a tenon saw which Sam found really improved his technique. Sam’s favourite job that he helped with was hanging a fire door. He said:“I was able to help with measuring, drilling and James showed me how to use a router too.”

James added: “It’s important to learn the more traditional methods for when the power tools stop working!”

Sam also said: “I’ve enjoyed helping to fit the kitchen cabinets where I’ve been able to help replace hinges and screw on the doors too. James also showed me how to use a jigsaw to cut out the back of the kitchen units. I’ve really enjoyed my placement it’s been good and fun.”

Suzanne Mowatt, Comserv’s Human Resource Manager said: “We try to accommodate a variety of work experience placements each year from a selection of local schools and colleges. We find it gives us good links in our community, and some work experience teenagers enjoy their placements so much, they go on to join us as Apprentices once they’ve finished school.”

Leon was placed with another one of our Carpenters – Paul Foster, and said that his favourite job that he worked on was fitting a bannister in the communal stairway of a block of flats. He said:

“We had to measure and work out where to mark the distances for drilling. I helped to measure and watched Paul demonstrate using the pneumatic drill. “

He added:

“I’ve found it useful learning the names of all the tools and seeing how to use a cross cut saw. At school we only use a tenon saw.”
When Leon reached the end of his two week placement he asked if he could stay for another week. Fortunately it was half term so we made sure we could accommodate Leon’s request.

For his third week, Leon went out with one of our  electricians – Sam Beazley to see another side of the work that we do. Sam was undertaking Electrical Inspection Condition Reports (EICR’s), which are annual tests that are carried out in each property that we maintain.

Sam said “Leon was keen to learn and listened intently when I was explaining jobs to him. He was always looking to see what he could help with and clearly understood what I was teaching him.”

Here’s Leon with Sam teaching him how to screw on an electrical socket correctly - turn off the circuit power first, and don’t screw the socket too tightly.

All three boys enjoyed their placements saying it had exceeded their expectations.
Beverley Brown - Work Experience Co-ordinator for Crookhorn College

Our Human Resources team liaised with Beverley Brown, Work Experience Co-ordinator for Crookhorn College to arrange these work experience placements. This included pre-placement interviews to give the boys some experience of what an interview scenario is like. Beverley said:

“We regularly work with Comserv who support our students in gaining work experience, as they run an extremely well organised programme. Students experience the process of applying for work as they complete a job application form, attend an interview, and receive a formal letter of acceptance.

Feedback from students has always reflected how involved they have been and how they are made to feel very much part of the team. Wearing the Comserv uniform really gives them a sense of belonging and they feel proud to represent both the company and our school.

At Crookhorn we have been working with Comserv since 2009 and are grateful to them for giving so many of our students valuable experience over the years. This has supported them in developing their transferable skills and learning about different industry pathways.”

Are you looking for Work Experience Placements?

If you are looking for work experience placements, either for yourself or on behalf of a school or college, please contact our HR team via: admin@comserv-uk.com. We will do our best to try to accommodate your requirements where possible.