Launceston College Students Complete Work Experience Week Across Diverse Industries

Teenagers explore careers in defence, medicine, sport, and beyond

Students from Launceston College have returned from a packed week of real-world career exploration, following the school’s 2025 Work Experience Programme which ran from Monday 30th June to Friday 4th July.

The scheme saw Year 10 and Year 12 students step out of the classroom and into roles ranging from military operations and space innovation to cardiology and coaching.

Securing competitive placements

Standout placements for Year 10 included highly competitive roles, with students showing ambition and maturity in securing opportunities that reflected their interests and aspirations.

Liam gained hands-on insight with the Army, while Oliver and Hugh explored life in the Royal Navy. Oliver also experienced the Royal Air Force, taking on a double placement in two branches of the armed forces.

In frontline public service, Jude and Olivia took placements with the police, where they observed community engagement and operational work.

Andre spent the week in the cardiology department at Derriford Hospital, offering a glimpse into diagnostic healthcare and patient care.

Zac worked with the InFocus charity, leading drumming workshops for individuals with visual impairments and complex needs.

Others took to the pitch, with Archie joining Cornwall FA and Jayden, Ellie and Harry securing placements with Plymouth Argyle FC to gain experience in coaching, event planning, and sports development.

Ollie landed a rare opportunity at Hitech GP, a leading British motor racing team.

Sixth-formers explore aerospace and football management

Year 12 students also made the most of some high-profile placements.

Owen supported engineering projects with MBDA, a major company working in military defence technology.

Edward travelled north to SaxaVord Space Port in the Shetland Islands, where he gained insight into the UK’s growing space sector.

Meanwhile, Isaac headed to York City Football Club to learn more about the operational side of professional football.

School praises students’ effort and attitude

According to Launceston College, part of the Athena Learning Trust, students across both year groups showed professionalism, curiosity, and a willingness to learn throughout the week.

The programme encouraged students to take charge of their own placement journey, from applying and securing positions to logging key details.

Matthew Thompson, Principal at Launceston College, said:

“We are incredibly proud of the way our students approached their work experience placements. Whether supporting medical teams, coaching sports, or engaging with defence and aerospace professionals, they represented Launceston College with pride and purpose. These real-world experiences are vital in helping our young people understand the many exciting pathways available to them, and this year’s programme has been one of our most successful yet.”

Broad, ambitious education offer

Launceston College is rated Good by Ofsted for the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and sixth form provision.

Inspectors noted that all pupils, including those with SEND, follow a broad and ambitious curriculum, learning in a logical order and building on what they already know. Sixth form students study for qualifications that are well matched to their future goals, with suitably demanding coursework.

More details about Launceston College and its work experience programme can be found via Athena Learning Trust.