Industrial Placement
What if stepping out of the classroom could transform the way we teach and prepare students for the world of work? At Three Spires, we offer staff the chance to spend up to two days in an industry of their choice, gaining hands-on experience and valuable insights to bring back to their students.
These placements provide first-hand understanding of workplace skills and challenges, enabling teachers to enrich their lessons with real-world examples and practical advice. This not only enhances learning but helps staff feel confident guiding students on career pathways.
Take Fiza’s experience at Subway, where she honed teamwork, problem-solving, and numeracy skills in a fast-paced environment. Her story highlights how these opportunities inspire new approaches to teaching and deepen students’ understanding of workplace demands.
Could you be the next teacher to embark on an industry adventure? Read on to hear more.
“During my time at Subway, I discovered how a seemingly simple role could reinforce vital skills and offer insights that have profoundly shaped my perspective as a maths teacher.
In this fast-paced environment, I embraced responsibilities that went beyond the surface:
- Customer Service: Engaging with customers to create positive dining experiences, whether in-store, for takeout, or delivery.
- Food Preparation: Crafting sandwiches and meals with precision and care, adhering to customer specifications and hygiene standards.
- Stock Management: Monitoring and restocking key items like toppings, crisps, and cookies to keep operations seamless.
- Team Collaboration: Coordinating with colleagues to navigate peak service times with efficiency and professionalism.
- Problem-Solving: Addressing unexpected stock shortages with quick thinking and practical solutions.
As a maths teacher, I was especially struck by the role numeracy played in my daily tasks. From calculating portion sizes and managing cash transactions to ensuring the accuracy of customer orders, I saw first-hand how mathematical thinking underpins even the simplest processes. This reinforced the importance of equipping students with practical skills they can apply in everyday life.
Beyond technical skills, this experience helped me cultivate essential workplace attributes like problem-solving, teamwork, and staying positive under pressure. I set ambitious personal goals, such as mastering the sandwich preparation process and delivering orders within the standard time frame without compromising quality. By actively seeking feedback and continuously improving, I ensured that customer satisfaction was always my top priority.
This placement has not only deepened my appreciation for the value of transferable skills but also inspired me to bring more real-world examples into my lessons. I want my students to see how skills like numeracy, collaboration, and leadership are essential building blocks for success in any field.
Thank you for this incredible opportunity. I am excited to share these insights with both my colleagues and students, showing them the power of learning through experience.”