Launched in 2021, the Brian McKenna Student Placement Programme is a £19K a year work placement scheme which includes the chance to compete for final year’s tuition fee.
This year 4 successful students spent their placement year between August 2021 – July 2022 working in one of a range of areas, including: Finance, HR, ICT and Assets. During their time with Choice they received support from a dedicated line manager who guided them as they developed skills aimed at preparing them for employment, through practical learning and real time problem solving.
Over the course of the year students also worked on their own business innovation project, with the ultimate prize of their last year’s tuition fee paid. As part of this process, students presented their project to Choice’s Senior Management Team. Alexa Winch was the successful student in this competition, Alexa is studying Business Management with Placement, at Queens University.
Alexa Winch began her placement year in August 2021 and has enjoyed her experience, in particular the continuous guidance and support from her colleagues.
Alex said, “Throughout my HR Student placement at Choice, I have gained great experience that I can take forward with me in my future career. Working in HR as well as Learning & Development, I am now very familiar with end-to-end recruitment. I have worked on a broad range of tasks which has given me a great insight into HR, thus increasing my skills in organisation, communication and collaboration.”
Brian McKenna, who passed away in February 2019, was a member of the Choice team for more than twenty years and, during his time with the organisation made a huge contribution to the lives of tenants, colleagues, and the communities he worked in. As a board member of the Voice of Young People in Care (VOYPIC), Brian was committed to working to improve the lives and opportunities for young people both professionally and personally.
Lawrence Jackson, Group Director of Corporate Services, “Alex is highly deserving of this award, she has worked hard and I know she will be missed by her colleagues in HR. The senior team have been impressed by all of our students this year, and we recognise the hard work and commitment they have brought to their roles. We wish Alex Winch, Hannah Ross and Ellen McKenna all the best for their continued studies.”
