Transform Sandwell Student Placement Programme

July 04, 2007

Liberata, one of the UK’s leading business process outsourcing providers, is delighted to extend its commitment to the local community by launching its student placement scheme in partnership with BT and Sandwell College. The scheme is part of the recently launched ‘Transform Sandwell’ partnership formed by BT/Liberata, which will deliver services to Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council in a 15 year contract worth almost £300m.

The programme was officially launched at the annual Sandwell College Awards Evening, at the Hawthorns, home of West Bromwich Albion FC, on 21 June 2007. Certificates were presented at the event by Karren Brady, Managing Director of Birmingham City FC.

The three students selected to participate in the programme each underwent a rigorous interview process before being chosen from a long list of candidates to take part in the paid work placement scheme at the offices of Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council.

This fully remunerated placement scheme offers the students the opportunity to experience life in a live working environment, serving the community in which they live. The programme will allow the students to gain invaluable work experience as well as to build their knowledge of business towards passing their Business Studies related courses.

Charlie Bruin, Service Delivery Director for Transform Sandwell, commented, “It was clear from comments received from both the College officials and the candidates themselves, that the chance to work with ‘Transform Sandwell’ in this way was regarded as a prestigious opportunity and we are delighted to be involved in what we hope will be a long term association with Sandwell College.”

Stuart Cutforth, Vice Principal at Sandwell College, said, “This is the first time Sandwell College has participated in such a partnership and we are delighted that BT/Liberata has offered our students this opportunity.”

Daryl Bagnall, one of the selected students, said: ‘This programme is a brilliant opportunity for me to get great, paid experience and learn for my Business Studies course. I can contribute to the community whilst learning valuable skills for my future career.’

Liberata has already implemented a similar student placement scheme with clients in Bromley and Sheffield, which has resulted in several of the students from the programme being offered full-time positions. It is hoped that the scheme with Sandwell College will bring similar results.