Following the re-signing of our educational partnership with Bradford Bulls for 2024, the relationship continues to create new chances and opportunities for Bradford College students.
Two of our Level 3 Business students have recently been working at Bradford Bulls learning about the day-to-day operations of a rugby league club, with a particular focus on social media and communications.
As part of their course, Zac Szepler and Alex Parry were required to complete 30 hours of work experience and jumped at the opportunity of joining the Bulls, organised by Olivia McCormack from our Work Placements Team.
After impressing throughout their placement, both students have been encouraged to continue with their involvement by Commercial Manager, Ian Stafford.
Speaking about Zac and Alex, Ian said: “The two have represented themselves and the College excellently.
“They have shadowed Bulls staff from both marketing and media, learning all about what their roles entail and even putting their skills into practice. Hopefully they’ve got lots out of this work experience and as a club, we’ve been delighted to have them.
“Thank you for the opportunity to work with Zac and Alex.”
We spoke with the students in question to hear more about their successful spell at the Bartercard Odsal Stadium.
Alex: “At the start, the placement opportunities were very open and focused on what strengths we have that could add value to the club. After getting into the flow of things, utilising the knowledge and skills gained from our course, we’ve been focusing on social media, creating content and trying to get engagement online.”
Zac: “After going through interviews with Bulls and identifying our skills, we were straight into it with our first game about a week later. We’ve both learnt a lot and are at a point where we’re now confident and comfortable with what we’re doing.”
Alex: “I think it’s all come fairly naturally to us having grown up with social media. We’re now familiar with the professional processes, what does well and how we can apply this knowledge to a business like Bradford Bulls.”
Zac: “We’ve been to as many games as we can and always contributed the most we can, so I’d say our work ethic has been a key strength. We’re keen to continue working with Bulls for as long as we can.”
Zac: “It’s massively improved my communication skills and attention to detail. It’s been clear how important it is that everything goes as smoothly as possible on matchday.”
Alex:
I think the experience of just generally being in a real working environment. This has been the most valuable aspect of it; learning how everything works and witnessing a team of people who work together day-to-day.
Zac: “Since this placement, I’ve now developed a keen interest in social media and communications. Hopefully I can do more in this area and find a job in it or something similar.”
Alex: “It’s similar for me. I’ve loved things like social media, photography and all the interaction. On a wider note, it’s really helped us with our course too and understanding exactly what a business both wants and needs. It’d be good to move around a bit within Bulls to explore various other aspects of the business, such as finance or marketing.”
Alex: “The course has a broad syllabus and teaches us a lot. The teaching is good and we get a lot of support. The knowledge gained from the course has definitely helped us with this placement.”
Zac: “On our course we’re taught about all aspects of business with every base covered. It’s really enjoyable and the teachers are always so supportive.”
The Bradford College Work Placements Team engage with over 1500 companies and businesses, with 93% of learners rating their satisfaction of work experience as good or above. With work experience embedded into our curriculum, it is seen as a vital tool for students to gain knowledge, network and prepare for post-education in the real-life world of work.
Work Experience Officer, Olivia McCormack, commented: “Bradford Bulls have been a huge support to our students and I hope that this sort of placement can carry on for many years to come. I’ve seen such growth in Zac and Alex, particularly in their confidence and work ethic, and I think this experience has been the perfect fit for them both. Thank you to Ian Stafford and the Bulls.”
Explore all the Business courses on offer at Bradford College.
Alternatively, read more about our partnership with Bradford Bulls.
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