A group of enthusiastic sixth form students from Budmouth College are currently undertaking unique work placements in the fields of their future career ambitions, thanks to the Sir Samuel Mico Scholar-ships scheme.

Following last year’s success, the scholarships are back again this summer, providing incentive funding to the students who are giving up between four to six weeks of their summer holidays to gain an experience in professional industries.

With the intention of delivering a rare and competitive opportunity for the students within their chosen careers, beyond the expected provision of a normal work experience placement, it is hoped the students will be inspired at the end of their student life and ready to go into the world of work.

So far the scholarship is already proving to be a great success, with placements ranging from EPIC print to the Weymouth and Portland Borough Council .

Funding for the scheme comes from the money left by Sir Samuel Mico in 1666, who wanted to invest in giving young people in Weymouth a chance to succeed. Gary Hepburn, chairman of the trustees of Weymouth Town Charities said: “The trustees became involved to give young people a unique experience.

“It’s not just about the host company, but mainly the process as a whole – applying, the interview, the placement and the presentation at the end, and so we are really investing in giving the student the whole experience and setting them up for the future.

“The students will be working in the thick of a professional environment – not just doing the mundane office jobs, and the trustees are pleased to be able to support them.

“Last year’s scheme was very successful and it was fantastic to see what people were doing, so we will be running an online blog for students to keep us up to date with what they are doing this summer.’ Now in its third year, the initiative has grown, becoming highly selective, with 42 applicants having taken part in a challenging application process and only 10 places on offer.

Marcel Ciantar, director of business and enterprise at Budmouth College, said: “The scholarships act as a first route of entry to getting known in the area and making new contacts.

“It is a very focused and strategic experience with different individuals and professional networks.”

Marcel describes the scholarships as unique, because they are longer term and the students are given £150 weekly.

He said: “Firstly they come with financial support for the student, which acts as an incentive and may assist the student with travel and other requirements.

“The key focus of the scholarship scheme is to integrate students within the professional network of the industry they’re interested in, which acts as a gateway to future activity within that industry.”

Amongst the hard working students on placement is Maisie Gibson, 17, who has been paired with the Bournemouth University communications team.

Although she has only just begun, she has already gained from the short period of time she has been there.

She said: “I've only been here a few hours and already it’s been really beneficial.

“So far I have started writing press releases for the university and have made plans to start working on media campaigns, including a later project about university clearance.”

Maisie, who aspires to become a freelance writer, added “I hope the scholarship will teach me to work independently and make new professional contacts, while getting an idea of careers you can have with an English degree.” Daniel Foley, 18, has just completed the first half of his scholarship with Weymouth and Portland Borough Council and various media companies.

He said, “My scholarship experience has been great so far.

“I have been placed in a number of places including the Weymouth and Portland events and communications teams, the Dorset Echo and Wessex FM.”

Daniel, who plans to study English at Exeter University later this year, added: “By the time I have finished my four-week scholarship I will really have gained a broad insight into a number of different media related careers to support my interest in journalism.”

Computer science enthusiast Mike Armstrong, 17, has also been placed with Ultra Electronics.

He said: “So far it’s going really well. At the moment I’ve been testing printer drivers and some dye films, which has given me an insight into the field of computer science.” Three students who excelled during their 2011 scholarship placement last year have also been selected again to undertake a six week advanced scholarship, aimed at developing the student’s skills and local networks.

Marcel said: “This year is the first time the advanced scholarship scheme has been in place.”

For further information visit weymouthtowncharities.org.uk/scholarship.html

  •  Advanced scholarship student Joshua Payne has returned to working at the Weymouth harbourmaster offices and has completed three weeks so far.

The 18-year-old, who is interested in maritime law, said: “It’s a wonderful experience, an extra stepping stone for my ambitions to study maritime business at university, an area which is very closed a difficult to gain work experience in.

“My work has included assisting the day to day running of a harbour and incoming ships and yachts, manning the slipway, and helping crowd control.

“It was a brand new experience last summer, and this year the advanced scholarship allows me to continue on the skills I built last year, gain contacts and learn more about the field of work I am interested in.”