Our Get Ready students taste some sweet business success

A group of students from Blackburn College have opened a new on-campus shop to get hands-on business experience as they prepare for their Supported Internships.

Nibbles and Scribbles, which sells a range of confectionery and stationery, has been created and set up by learners enrolled on the College’s Get Ready Pre-Supported Internship programme – which the College offers as an ideal first step for those with an Education Health and Care Plan wanting to enter the world of work.

Opening Nibbles and Scribbles was a suggestion by the students to help them gain hands-on business experience while enhancing their employability skills, including maths, English, and communication skills, alongside their classroom-based learning.

Students are responsible for taking orders, working on the till, and managing stock of the shop.

Helen Andrew, Post-16 Learning Manager at Blackburn with Darwen Council, cut the ribbon on the sweet shop during the opening celebration.

Helen said: “I was privileged to be the first customer and was greeted with smiles all round and a warm welcome. As well as customer service, Get Ready students are working brilliantly as a team and independently to handle money, serve customers, and manage stock with health and safety in mind. This is a wonderful opportunity for all involved!”

Claire Thompson, Head of Inclusion at Blackburn College, said:

“I’m so proud of how far the students have come. The Nibbles and Scribbles shop is a great opportunity for our students to not only make educational progress but make independent progress as well before they take on internships outside of the College.”

The Get Ready programme provides opportunities for students to prepare for the world of work ahead of progressing on to Get Set where they will work with local employers such as Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and Together Housing.

Dr Fazal Dad, Principal and Chief Executive of Blackburn College, said: “The shop is a great asset to the College and it’s clear the students are gaining a lot from being able to manage their own business within the campus.

“We’re pleased to be working with local organisations and businesses to expand the opportunities within our Supported Internships, and we strongly encourage anyone who is interested to get involved.”

Blackburn College encourages employers to be involved in the Supported Internship placement and development opportunities: Claire Thompson Claire.Thompson@blackburn.ac.uk