A work placement programme giving east London students on-the-job paid experience in the electrical industry while studying for their qualifications has started at New City College.

The placements are an agreement by the engineering campus in Rainham with the Phoenix ME electrical services contractor based in Whitechapel.

The students are in the classroom three days a week but also get paid work at Phoenix for the other two days.

“There are many roles including designing, project management and quantity surveying,” Phoenix ME manager Lauren Rimmer explained. “We are looking for potential apprentices willing to learn, with no boundaries to things they can achieve.”

Nathaneal Judd, studying Level 2 electrical installation at the Rainham campus, helps with document control such as preparing emergency lighting drawings and compiling certificates.

Matthew Adams, a Level 3 engineering student, spent time on-site learning about testing and commissioning before discovering his passion for design.

Luke Frensham, also studying Level 3 engineering, works on the company’s project in King’s Cross shadowing a testing expert.