From Dispatch to Assembly: Elliott’s Work Experience at Nuneaton Signs
At Homefield, work experience is all about finding the right fit for every student. For Elliott, a student at our Nuneaton campus, that journey has led him to the busy warehouse of Nuneaton Signs, where he is currently taking part in a unique, rotation-based work placement.
Rather than sticking to one role, Elliott is rotating through a new department every week. This approach allows him to see the full lifecycle of a product – from the initial order on a computer screen to the final sign being loaded onto a delivery van.
Mastering the Systems
Elliott’s first week was all about the foundations. After completing his health and safety induction, he jumped straight into the dispatch department. Working alongside his mentor, Kieran, Elliott tackled the Sage ordering system – a complex piece of software used by businesses worldwide.
His mentors were immediately impressed by his listening skills and his ability to navigate the warehouse to locate orders with minimal prompts. He also assisted Andy with logistics, helping to organise the routes for the company’s four delivery vans by matching order numbers to locations on a map.
Building Independence & Technical Skills
By his second week, Elliott was already stepping up his independence. He took charge of:
- Precision Prep: Learning to weigh parcels and accurately complete dispatch paperwork.
- Logistics: Identifying and collecting the correct packaging materials to build secure parcels for shipping.
- Proactive Learning: Asking insightful questions to ensure every weight was captured accurately.
The “Jigsaw” of Manufacturing
One of the most exciting weeks involved the assembly of extra-large motorway signs. This task required Elliott to work as part of a high-functioning team to align large, jigsaw-like pieces perfectly. It wasn’t just a lesson in manual assembly; it was a lesson in communication, teamwork and hard work ethic.
Perhaps most impressively, Elliott has reached a stage where he no longer requires a job coach by his side. He is following multi-step instructions and completing tasks independently – a massive milestone in his journey toward employment.
Elliott’s Resilience
On his most recent visit, Elliott was faced with a challenge. He was asked to help align signage – a task he admitted he didn’t particularly enjoy.
However, in a true display of professional maturity, Elliott didn’t stop. He understood that every job involves tasks that might not be our favourite, but are essential to the finished product.
He kept going until the job was completed to the highest standard. This resilience is a vital “soft skill” that will serve him well in any future career.
Thank You, Nuneaton Signs
We want to extend a huge thank you to Nuneaton Signs for their continued support. By offering a “rotation” placement, they are giving our students the chance to explore their interests and find where they truly shine.
