At South Bank Colleges, we ensure that every full-time student gains real-world work experience as part of their learning journey. Our dedicated Work Experience team helps secure high-quality placements tailored to each student's interests and career ambitions. Many students are offered jobs or apprenticeships directly through their placements, which are carefully scheduled around their study timetable to maximise flexibility and opportunity.
Meet the Team
Gina Mensah
Head of Student Engagement & Careers
Our aim is to support students to secure high-quality work experiences and engage in work-related activities. We create opportunities for students to gain invaluable experiences. Through these opportunities, students can link their classroom learning with real industry insights and gain practical skills in their chosen career industries and specialisms. We want all students to LEVEL UP and EXPERIENCE their way to SUCCESS!!
Alicia Maker
Career Lead
My mission is to continue expanding and strengthening our careers provision so that every learner receives the support they need to thrive. I am deeply passionate about helping our students become career-ready by equipping them with the guidance, resources, and opportunities that will support their professional development beyond college. We take great pride in the diverse range of activities, support services, and employer partnerships we offer. It is truly inspiring to help open doors for our learners, enabling them to progress confidently and overcome barriers as they work toward their future goals.
Breveena Sahi
Events & Enrichment Coordinator
I am thrilled to bring a wide range of events to life across all three campuses. My goal is to enhance the learner journey by creating exciting opportunities for students to network, connect with new companies, and develop key communication skills. I’m passionate about growing both our internal and external community, building meaningful partnerships with employers, alumni, and local organisations to deliver experiences that are interactive, inspiring, and impactful. I look forward to working with students, staff, and partners to make every event memorable, engaging, and full of opportunities for learning and growth.
Adetola Ogunyemi
Career & Progression Officer
Predominantly my role is to help a variety of individuals to fulfil their future aspirations. This is done by guiding and informing them about the various pathways and routes they can take to best achieve their career and educational aspirations. I address the issues faced on an individual basis to motivate students, communicate effectively, provide relevant accurate information regarding their goals, reflect on their qualities and personal growth to ultimately achieve their goals. I work collaboratively with training providers, education institutions, respective employers, and third-party business help to understand our learners needs.
Nassima Aissar
Careers and Progression Officer
My role is to help students understand their options and feel confident about their next steps, whether that’s moving into further education, training, apprenticeships, or employment. I offer one-to-one guidance and practical support to help students recognize their strengths, build confidence, and make informed decisions about their future. I work closely with staff, employers, and external partners to create meaningful opportunities and ensure students have access to relevant, up-to-date careers information. I am passionate about supporting students to reach their potential and feel prepared for life beyond college.
Donna Webster
Work Placement Officer
I am a dedicated T-Level Specialist Placement Officer, committed to ensuring students secure valuable placements that enhance their learning and career prospects. With a passion for education and extensive experience in student support and navigating their T-Level journeys successfully.
Samantha Shepherd
Work Placement Officer
As a Work Placement Officer, I support students in securing meaningful, high-quality work experience that strengthens their skills, confidence and future career prospects. My role involves building strong relationships with employers, identifying opportunities across a range of industries, and ensuring every placement aligns with students’ study programmes and long-term goals.
Amadu Kalleh
Sports Coach
My role as a sports coach is to plan, deliver, and evaluate engaging training sessions that help athletes develop their skills, fitness, and understanding of the sport. I am responsible for creating a safe, inclusive, and positive learning environment where participants of all abilities feel supported and motivated. This includes demonstrating skills clearly, giving constructive feedback, and adapting activities to meet individual needs, including those with additional learning or physical requirements. As a coach, I also encourage teamwork, discipline, and good sportsmanship, helping learners build confidence, resilience, and enjoyment in physical activity. In addition, I assess performance, track progress, and reflect on my own practice to continually improve the quality of my coaching.
Here are just some of the outstanding employer partners who provide work placements for South Bank Colleges' students:
- Cisco
- Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust
- Rambert
- Baxall Construction
- Thames Water
- Beko
- St John Ambulance
- Doxabeta
- Runabeat Ltd
- MACE
- Morgan Sindall
- Lee Marley
- Mitie
Interested in supporting a T Level student?
Download our Employer Guide to T Level Industry Placements to discover how hosting a placement can benefit your business, develop your team, and shape the next generation of skilled professionals.
Benefits for Students
Work placements give students the chance to experience the working world first-hand, gaining invaluable insight and inspiration for their future careers—including through T-Level industry placements. Placements help students to:
- Develop essential workplace skills and behaviours.
- Gain confidence in career aspirations and pathways.
- Expand their professional network.
- Apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings.
- Upskill and learn new industry-specific techniques.
- Enhance CVs, boosting future job and apprenticeship applications.
- Demonstrate ambition, professionalism, and drive to potential employers.
What are Work Experience Placements?
WEX GUIDANCE FOR PARENTS AND CARERS
Collaborating with Employers to Build London’s Skilled Workforce
South Bank Colleges plays a vital role in supporting local communities by forging strong partnerships with employers and actively engaging with regional skills boards. These collaborations shape policy and strategies to meet London's evolving skills and training needs.
Our Advisory Boards allow employers to have a direct impact on curriculum design, helping to align learning with real-world industry demands. By working closely with South Bank Colleges, employers are helping to create the skilled workforce of tomorrow.
Employers benefit by:
- Contributing to curriculum and programme development.
- Recruiting motivated apprentices and work-ready students.
- Delivering seminars and workshops, sharing sector expertise.
- Supporting T-Level Industry Placements, with funding available to cover associated costs.
If you are an employer and would like to learn more about partnering with South Bank Colleges, please read our guide:
