Undergraduates in Bath are getting a taste of working on sustainability projects in a partnership between Bath and North East Somerset Council and Bath Spa University.
Bath Spa interns Khadeeja Osman, Sheryl Marsh and Siân Bentley
Three students from the university are currently undertaking placements with the authority and both organisations are already reaping the mutual benefits, as well as providing valuable work experience for the interns.
The opportunity for the council to try out future graduate talent has seen students working on issues such as the environment, waste and the council’s plastics pledge to encourage people to eliminate at least three single-use items over the next year.
Bath and North East Somerset Council’s Deputy Leader Richard Samuel, cabinet member for Resources, said: “This is an excellent example of how students can make a positive contribution to our city and how they can support us in finding solutions to the issues we face.
“We have a focus on collaborative working and this placement scheme with Bath Spa University demonstrates our commitment to the local economy and education partnerships.
“We are pleased to have been able to offer the students good work experience and a supportive environment.”
Siân Bentley, studying environmental science at Bath Spa University, has been working at the council’s Guildhall offices in Bath as a 12-week intern to support the plastics campaign team.
Siân said: “This placement has allowed me to play to my strengths, whilst still being challenging.
“It also incorporates a lot of what I have studied in my first year at university and I will be able to carry the skills forward throughout the rest of my degree and beyond.
“Working within the sustainability department is an amazing insight into the inner workings of local government, especially with the declaration of the climate emergency and increasing public interest in sustainability issues.”
Heledd Ager at Bath Spa University Placements Team added: “It has been a pleasure to work with Bath and North East Somerset Council to provide placement opportunities for our students in the environmental and computing sectors.
“Students can find it difficult to get paid experience relating to their degree, which is why we provide funding towards these placement opportunities.
“The council has been an enthusiastic placement provider and we hope to continue our partnership in the future.”
For more information about placement opportunities with Bath Spa students and graduates, email: placements@bathspa.ac.uk.
