Over recent weeks, we have been delighted to welcome both Sebastian and Connor to Haydon Wick Parish Council for their work experience placements.
Working across a variety of teams, including our Parks and Projects Team and office staff, both students embraced every opportunity to learn more about local government and the vital role the Parish Council plays within the community.
From supporting day-to-day operations and attending Council meetings, to helping maintain our parks and public spaces, Sebastian and Connor experienced first-hand the wide range of services, events and community support provided by the Council. Their enthusiasm, professionalism and willingness to get involved made a valuable contribution to the team throughout their placements.
Despite challenging conditions, including periods of extreme heat, Sebastian worked to an excellent standard and gained a greater understanding of the many career opportunities available within local government. One aspect that particularly stood out to him was the level of vandalism our teams deal with on a regular basis. As Sebastian reflected:
“People need to respect things more. There isn’t an unlimited supply of money, and it takes time to repair and replace damaged items, putting pressure on other areas.”
Meanwhile, Connor, a History and Politics student, brought fantastic energy, curiosity and initiative to every task. Whether supporting the office team, attending his first Council meeting, or helping clear the Leisure Gardens, he approached every challenge with a positive, can-do attitude. His resourcefulness also shone through, including suggesting that the England flag be raised in support of the national team’s World Cup campaign.
Both placements provided valuable insight into the workings of local government while demonstrating the importance of teamwork, community service and public engagement. We are proud to support young people in developing their skills, broadening their career aspirations and gaining meaningful workplace experience.
We would like to thank Sebastian and Connor for their hard work, enthusiasm and dedication during their time with us. We wish them every success in their future studies and careers and hope to welcome them back to Haydon Wick Parish Council again in the future.
