Industry placement is music to Megan’s ears!
16 May 2019
Megan Harvey, a Health and Social Care student at Burton and South Derbyshire College, is currently gaining an insight into using music and movement to aid child development through an industry placement at Kimbles Music and Movement at Moira Furnace (near) Swadlincote.
Megan has been taken on for one day per week alongside her studies to gain hands-on experience for her future career. During her placement, she is gaining experience in leading songs and using the facilities at Kimbles to help children learn and progress in a fun, multi-sensory environment.
Not only has Megan gained valuable work experience, she has also increased in confidence and communication skills. She commented: “At the start, I was a bit nervous about the industry placement as it’s quite a few hours, but I’ve grown in confidence as I’ve done it and it’s completely changed my opinion. I’ve found that I’ve developed so many more skills than I thought I would. I’m a lot more resilient than I was before and I find that I can do things more independently now.”
Megan added: “The best thing about the placement has been getting to work with children. It’s great to see how they develop from being babies to pre-school age, and how they learn new skills from using the equipment at Kimbles. I want to be a nurse, so this experience is going to help me in the future.”
Industry placements give students on Level 3 technical education courses the chance to put their knowledge and technical skills into practice in the workplace. This involves a 45-60 day placement in a relevant role with an employer where students can gain the skills they need in their future careers. Meanwhile, employers are able to nurture the next generation of workers while benefitting from an extra member of staff with fresh ideas. Megan has been such an addition to the Kimbles team that she has also been offered paid work alongside her studies and industry placement.
Kim Pott, Founder of Kimbles Music and Movement said: “We’re very excited to have a young person joining our team for an industry placement. It’s great to have an extra set of hands. New people bring new ideas, and it helps us to keep up to date with what young people are thinking.
“I think industry placements and work experience are essential in all industries. There’s nothing like working on the ground with real people, particularly with children, who are so unpredictable, so natural and so honest. The best way to gain that experience is to do it. I would encourage other employers to embrace the opportunity. Of course, it’s going to take some of your time; you need to invest in that person, but they’re investing in you too, and it’s well worth it.”
Any employers interested in offering a Level 3 student an industry placement can find out more by calling Burton and South Derbyshire College on 01283 494568/01283 494805 or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..