Corps Member Review

Excellent placement year consisting of a variety of opportunities and insights into the educational sector.

Really supportive workforce with help on offer and training and development opportunities throughout.

Support was on hand from day one and was a continuously offered throughout the year by my manager.

Each day was different and a variety of tasks were carried out from 1-1 pupil support, organising after school curriculum clubs, and working in the classroom on a daily basis.

Responsibility throughout was given and especially working in a educational environment I had to maintain professionalism and a positive attitude.

Crucial skills were developed and incorporated throughout final year of university

The Office was a place of joy and reflection that took place every Friday. As the whole Corps came together each Friday it was an amazing time to catch up with fellow members on how the week has progressed in their schools and new experiences learnt. The Staff are very welcoming and helpful throughout, with external visitors coming in on a weekly basis to help with learning and development and career progression opportunities. Overall a very lively atmosphere with joy and appreciation.

The overall placement was highly organised both from the companies perspective and from the school that I was working at. Each day consisted of a team brief before having structured timetables in place to follow and adhere to. As a Corps Member I was fortunate and privileged to organise clubs and activities for pupils to participate and benefit from. Teamwork was a crucial part of my role and was highly valued by the school and CY. A clear structure was in place from start to end. With a celebration evening organised at the end of the academic year to highlight success and achievements.

Excellent career insights into a variety of professions were highlighted and demonstrated by the Staff at City Year. Each week external employees from professional companies would visit the head office in Birmingham directing and supporting young people into possible career opportunities after the year of placement is completed. Examples such as Teachfirst and National Grid were very useful for me as their were potential job opportunities I could apply for once I graduated.

A year of service through City Year is well worth it and helps enchance the CV incredibly. A variety of professional skills are obtained and can be implemented for working life in the future. I developed excellent communication skills, problem solving, decision making, leadership and many more skills which have really boosted my confidence as an individual. Additionally City Year has helped me go and achieve beyond my comfort zone which has definitely made me more calmer and stronger for future interviews and assessment centres.

Definitely working in a primary school was a humbling and life changing experience. Through CY I had the opportunity to liase with fellow staff members attend meals with my team and socialise on a daily basis. There was also team events each month which gave the chance to enjoy and relax with the team enjoying activities such as bowling and Go Karting.

Fairly Reasonable. Living and working within Birmingham wasn't too difficult in terms of expenses as food and essentials are affordable. Additionally travel is paid for by the company which is a huge bonus and cost effective.

Easy access to Birmingham Town and Broad Street. Which on weekends is highly popular with a variety of clubs.

Undoubtedly there was the opportunity to still carry on with activities such as Gym and socialising with friends and family. As a school day can be long in terms of hours and workload, mangaing time is possible and activities can still be carried out.