Shadowing scheme leads to work experience for student

Thanks to a Welsh Government scheme called Entrepreneurial Shadowing, Gower College Swansea student Kieren Palfrey has taken his first steps towards a career in marketing.

Entrepreneurial Shadowing enables young people to work alongside a real entrepreneur to gain first-hand experience of what running a business is all about.

Kieren, who studies the Level 3 Creative Media Extended Diploma at the Gorseinon campus, became interested in all things entrepreneurial after taking part in the Global Enterprise Awards at college, where he had to work with other students to create a profitable business plan within a strict deadline.

This led to a marketing position over the summer at the exclusive tailoring and clothing store Jones Designer Fashions in Mumbles.

“This was a fantastic opportunity to work alongside experienced local entrepreneurs,” says the college’s Enterprise Officer, Lucy Turtle. “It really gave Kieren an insight into the day-to-day operations of a business while gaining invaluable practical experience with which to enhance his CV and UCAS applications.”

What started as a temporary shadowing scheme has led to a more stable position and, six months on, Kieren is still working with Jones on a part time basis as their photographer and social media organiser.

“Working with Jones has allowed me to experience things that would have never been possible otherwise such as providing Swansea City AFC with their suits,” says Kieren. “I've gained a whole new world of knowledge on what a career in marketing entails, the experiences you can have while running your own business and the sacrifices it often takes. Information and experiences you can’t really get in a classroom.”

Kieren is hoping to progress to Goldsmiths, University of London to study a BA Media and Communications.