Enterprising students are polishing their entrepreneurial skills at Redcar and Cleveland College.
And with a busy car park on their doorstep, what better business to go into than a spot of car washing?
It’s certainly giving four supported internship students the chance to earn their stripes.
And with plenty of elbow grease required, they are getting a real insight into the demands of working life.
Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator Philippa Hambley explained: “Supported internships provide those with an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan a step between college and work.
“Throughout the one-year programme learners receive a lot of support in developing employability skills and would normally spend a large part of the course undertaking a work placement.”
However, for this year’s cohort Covid restrictions have limited the opportunities available, meaning the team has had to come up with some innovative solutions.
Preparing for Adulthood (PFA) Coach Trudie Ayton said: “With the students not able to go out into industry, we came up with the idea of setting up their own enterprise. Coming into college and seeing all the cars we thought it would be good to be able to offer a car washing service while people are at work.”
Not ones for doing things by halves, the team set about researching their new business idea, considering everything from what kit they would need, scrutinising the best car washing techniques as well as paying close attention to health and safety.
Working alongside Foundation Learning Youth Worker and Job Coach, Lee Bateman, the group washed an impressive eight cars during their first day on the job. Student Jamie, 21, said: “It’s been pretty good and it has given us team building skills.”
While Ryan, 23, added: “Everything has gone quite smoothly. It’s all about co-ordination and team work.”
With some students also taking part in work experience across the college, Trudie said: “This is really good experience for them, they have to think about every aspect of running their own business.
“They have had to think about how they go about advertising the service, book keeping, dealing with money and clients.”
