Working at Villiers Park: Josie and Clara on Becoming Progression Coaches After the Programme

Bronagh Sumner

Josie and Clara are both Progression Coaches at Villiers Park but started their journey with us as students. Josie, on a 2018 Inspiring Excellence Biology residential, and Clara in 2014 on the Scholars Programme. This interview covers some of their highlights as both alumni and current employees. 

I am Josie and I'm a Progression Coach in Cambridgeshire. I work with around 60 students on a one-to-one basis, supporting them to think about their futures, and helping them to succeed in whatever they want to do, whether it be apprenticeships, T levels, A levels, no matter what their circumstances are.

I'm Clara, a Progression Coach in Hastings and Bexhill. I work also with around 50 students doing a very similar thing to Josie. I also work one day a week within the fundraising and communications space helping out there and trying to learn a little bit more about a different side of the organisation.

How does it feel to be supporting young people through the programme that once supported you?” 


Clara –  

“It's a very full circle moment, especially working in my old school. I think it really puts things in perspective. I feel like I'm in that year 10 mind frame whenever I'm in a session and I can really see myself in the students’ shoes.  


I think it is very fulfilling for myself, but seeing the progress that the young people make and comparing that to myself at that age, it's really amazing to feel like I'm a part of something that helped me so much to do the same.” 

  

“What has been your favourite moment or moments so far in your role?” 


Josie –  

“I've had a lot of favourite moments, but I think the main one that comes to mind are the celebration events. Being able to award those students that have gone above and beyond in the programme over the year. Students who have really dedicated themselves to improving their skills and completing their leadership challenge projects and helping their communities.  



It’s really moving to see how thankful young people are for the opportunities they’ve had. I think that just put it all in perspective, that's the reason that we're here, that's what we're doing and it’s was my favourite moment.” 

 

 

Can you sum up your experience with Villiers Park in three words? 


Josie –  

“So, it's encouraging, inspirational and that we are valuable. And I think that covers both when I was a student and the work that I do with students now.” 


Clara –  

“My 3 words to sum up my Villiers Park experience would be growth, confidence and I'm going to go with fun because my time on the programme was that.” 

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic person with a keen interest in working with young people to join the Villiers Park team as a Progression Coach in our well-established Hastings and Bexhill hub.


The Progression Coach will deliver coaching sessions, workshops, various in-school projects and activities for students aged 12-19. The ideal candidate will have a desire to support young people from under-represented groups realise their potential, excellent organisational skills, and experience in designing and delivering workshops and one-to-one sessions for young people. 

Learn more and apply
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