College News

Voluntary Placement in Whitehall

From thousands of applicants, Rebecca Duffy – a student at Darlington’s Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College – was one of sixty young people from across the country to be selected for an all – expenses paid, voluntary 2 week placement in London.

Rebecca’s placement was through the Social Mobility Scheme which provides a rare and unique opportunity to learn and develop skills whilst being mentored by important civil servants in Whitehall. It is a fantastic way of experiencing life in a busy working environment and city. 

Rebecca comments:  ‘I didn’t know what to expect when I went to Whitehall but it was more than I ever hoped for.  There was a lot of information to take in but everyone made us feel so welcome and comfortable.  I have now made sixty new friends in addition to the people who supported me in Whitehall! My advice is, no matter what opportunity you are given, strive for it and never give up as you don’t know what is around the corner.  When I first started College I found it difficult to settle in, make new friends and adjust to a different environment. But now College and the Whitehall experience have given me so much, I’m a more confident person and have found myself!  A very big thank you to all those staff who have supported me.’

Lead QE Mentor, Razwana Sharif, comments:  ‘Rebecca’s first academic year at College was quite a rollercoaster, studying complex subjects, having  time off to have a crucial  back operation and to then recover and catch up with work missed.  It was not easy, but Rebecca is a true role model and   has radiated such resilience and hard work that she achieved excellent grades in her AS subjects. She now hopes to consolidate the success of her first year and is looking to study a degree in Maths with the aim of becoming a teacher or, possibly, working in Whitehall! It is fantastic to see Becky doing so well and she now has the foundations to continue building on her success and to inspire others.’