Work & Training

Unpaid Work Placements / Unpaid Internships in the South West

At Almond Vocational link we are experienced in organising unpaid work placements and unpaid internships in the South West in the vocation of your choice. We work with many professional companies in order to obtain quality work placements.

In order for students to benefit from the experience in the United Kingdom it is essential that their level of English is of a high standard. They will be expected to be able to understand others and speak reasonably good English. The work placement is conditional on this factor as Almond Vocational Link will not accept responsibility for any inability to participate because the level of English is not sufficiently good enough. English Language training is available before undertaking the work placement and we recommend this is considered before undertaking a work placement.

We will require an up-to-date C.V. as well as a Registration form which can be obtained on request. In order for the student to be able to participate on this scheme they will need to be over eighteen. Below is a list of the most popular vocations requested:-

• Accounts
• Administration
• Banking
• Communications
• Environmental Studies
• Healthcare
• Hotel, Catering and Hospitality
• Information Technology and Web Design
• Marketing
• Tourism

Not all work placements are available throughout the year as some work placements are seasonally dependent such as tourism. Although we do have some positions available in tourism with attractions that operate all year round. These placements are limited in numbers.

All work placements will have a job description. Monitoring and support will be given by a supervisor within each work placement. During the time that you are in the placement you will be required to complete a portfolio of evidence, which will consist of a diary of your weekly duties and the skills that you have been able to develop. A weekly report of your progress within your work placement will be given by your supervisor. Work insurance is provided by the employer.

Provided you have successfully completed your work placement it will be certified by Almond Vocational Link. You might like to consider undertaking the University of Cambridge Work Placement Certificate in order to enhance your employment potential on your return back home. Please ask for further information if you would like to participate in this scheme.

English Language Training in the South West

If you need to improve your English before beginning your work placement/ internship then language training can be arranged. We would also recommend this if your language skills are adequate yet you feel your confidence would benefit from this training. The teachers that we employ have extensive knowledge of teaching English as a second language and the language training can be organised to suit the requirements of the individual or small groups.

At Almond Vocational Link we feel that there are great benefits of learning a language in small groups with other students with different English levels in a relaxed and fun atmosphere. Group sessions can afford great benefit to improve your ability to speak, listen, and extend your knowledge of vocabulary and grammar as well as your written and reading skills.

We can offer other courses related to specific areas if required such as Business English.

Should you require working towards qualifications in English such as Cambridge, T.O.E.F.L. or I.E.L.T.S it can be arranged for you as we work with a Language School which has obtained British Council Accreditation.