At Nottingham College, we are proud to partner with employers who share our commitment to developing confident, capable, and career-ready students. Build a Bond, a dog‑training‑focused daycare centre, has become a fantastic example of how meaningful work placements can benefit both learners and businesses.
Build a Bond offers a highly specialised environment, combining expert dog training with attentive, enrichment‑based daycare. Their team of qualified trainers and behaviourists work closely with every dog to create a safe, stimulating, and supportive space -something our students get to experience firsthand. For learners interested in animal care, behaviour, or canine training, it provides an exceptional real-world setting to apply their skills while seeing professional standards in action.
Hosting work experience is great for the student to be able to learn vital work skills, but it can also have a real positive impact on the level of service you can provide. Students will help with some of the day-to-day tasks meaning staff members can focus on doing more for our clients.
Adrian Rybicki, Business Owner at Build a Bond
Students are welcomed into the daily routine of the centre, quickly becoming part of the team as they support enrichment activities, walks, and basic training. Their involvement ensures every dog receives additional attention and stimulation, while enabling staff to focus on delivering tailored care to clients and their pets.
Build a Bond consistently tells us how impressed they are by the attitudes of our students, valuing the enthusiasm, reliability, and willingness to learn that our learners demonstrate. These qualities not only help students make the most of their placement but also create a positive atmosphere for staff and animals alike.
Over time, work placements have helped Build a Bond identify potential new talent for their workforce. Several of their current employees first joined them as volunteers or placement students. Seeing learners grow in confidence and capability gives employers a clear picture of who might thrive in a permanent role.
We have seen potential through placements and we have hired a couple of our volunteers and work placements due to their work ethic. - Adrian Rybicki, Business Owner at Build a Bond
From an employer’s perspective, the process of taking on Nottingham College students is smooth and supportive. Build a Bond have highlighted how easy communication is, and how quickly they can get the information or assistance they need. This allows them to concentrate on offering the best possible experience to learners.
Hosting T Level and work placement students provides us with the ability to develop and maintain a highly trained team of dog trainers and behaviourists. The students get hands on with the day to day running of the daycare with caring and understanding team members.
Adrian Rybicki, Business Owner at Build a Bond
Build a Bond encourages other employers to consider offering work placements, not just for the positive impact on students but for the benefits to their business. With learners helping to manage day‑to‑day tasks, staff gain valuable time to deliver more for their clients, while also benefitting from the new energy and ideas that these students bring.
This partnership shows the genuine impact high‑quality placements can have; developing learners, supporting local employers, and strengthening the future workforce across Nottinghamshire. Contact our business engagement team to find out how you can partner with us.
