Meet the Work Placement Team

Tom Walker
Work Placement Team Leader
I’m Tom, the Work Placement Team Leader. I work behind the scenes to support the work placement staff.
The part of the role I enjoy most is creating an environment in which the team can bring new ideas, work together and provide work placements for our students.
Outside of work I enjoy being outside - kayaking, mountain biking, skiing, camping and walking the dogs!
T: 07971 109793

Stephen Jones
Work Placement Officer
I’m Ste, the Work Placement Officer for Creative and Digital Industries. I enjoy forging lasting links between the College and our exciting partners such as digital marketing agencies, broadcasters, video game studios and software & app developers, to name but a few. I find it exciting to work with all sizes of business, ranging from sole traders to larger national names.
I moved to Nottingham from Liverpool in 2013 and have previously worked in areas as varied as the NHS, the live music industry and accountancy, all of which have prepared me for liaising with a wide range of employers and people.
Outside of work I’m a keen runner, drummer, guitarist, football fan, reader and self-confessed movie nerd.
T: 07973 828374

Emma Fountain
Work Placement Officer
Hi, I’m Emma, the Work Placement Officer for Construction, Built Environment, Engineering and Automotive. I absolutely love finding and sourcing Work Placements and engaging with all the employers that offer these interesting and exciting placements for the students here at Nottingham College.
Before I joined Nottingham College, I had long careers in hospitality, apprenticeships and teaching. My academic qualifications include assessing and teaching qualifications (including a first class BA HONS in SEND).
My favourite pastimes include spending time with my family and friends, cooking and travelling. I’ve visited so many beautiful places and intend to visit so many more.
T: 07971 109799

Richard Hodgins
Work Placement Officer
Hi, I’m Richard, the Work Placement Officer for the Academic and Professional faculty area. I am an employment specialist with over 18 years of experience in different sectors.
I am a real believer in work placements as I have seen, on many occasions, the ways in which they can benefit students. Whether that be gaining paid employment, improving CVs, learning new skills or just enjoying the time spent in a real working environment.
Away from work I enjoy sport, travel, reading and am a proud father.

Madeleine Penkett
Work Placement Officer
I’m Maddie, the Work Placement Officer for Catering & Hospitality, Sport & Public Services, Hair & Beauty and Travel & Tourism.
My main goal is to make work placements accessible to all students, regardless of their background. I’m always looking to coordinate placements with interesting companies that will help your CV stand out.
I think work placements are incredibly valuable for future careers. You rarely have the time to test career options later on in life, so now is the time!
Outside of work I spend my time trialing Nottingham’s food scene and upcycling.
T: 07971 09566

Jennifer Basi
Work Placement Achievement Coach
I’m Jenni, the Work Placement Achievement Coach for Art, Design, Fashion and Performance Arts courses.
I, myself, have studied Art and Textiles for approximately 8 years, as well as teaching it. This experience has given me a good knowledge of these subjects, as well as an understanding of the industry demands that creative students face.
In my spare time you will most likely find me watching a Louis Theroux documentary while creating my own artwork.
T: 07971 109948

Emma Blomfield
Work Placement Achievement Coach
I’m Emma, the Work Placement Achievement Coach for Creative and Digital.
Before working at Nottingham College I travelled around the UK working within hospitality, outdoor education and youth work.
When I’m not working, you’ll find me learning British Sign Language at Nottinghamshire Deaf Society, converting my VW Caddy into a camper and paddle boarding with my dog, Eddie.
T: 07973 829604

Nadine Rose
Work Placement Officer
Hey, I’m Nadine, the Work Placement Officer for Science and Health. I love creating opportunities for people, and engaging with employers to source placements allows me to do just that!
Away from work, you’ll generally find me sat or walking by water or amongst greenery. If I’m not outside somewhere quiet, I’ll be at home reading, knitting, listening to music or sat in silence but I may also be somewhere having a sing song with my choir friends. I’m an ambivert, if you ever saw one!
T: 07971 109484

Holly Onstenk
Work Placement Achievement Coach
Hi, I’m Holly the Work Placement Achievement Coach for, Science, Animal Science, Career Pathways and ESOL. Helping young people to not only realise, but achieve their full potential is one of the things that makes me so passionate about my job.
Before working at Nottingham College, I attended Nottingham Trent University to achieve my BA and have worked with NCS and helped on residential trips.
Alongside my work, I am currently studying for my Masters. When I’m not working I am usually playing netball, running, or studying!
T: 07973 834138

Chanté Woodhouse
Work Placement Achievement Coach
I’m Chanté, the Work Placement Achievement Coach for Construction, Built Environment, Engineering and Automotive. I will be here to support your needs and help find a placement best suited to you.
I graduated from Nottingham Trent university with a BA(hons) degree in Early Years and Psychology. Since then I have worked in the Education sector, where I have gained valuable skills which has enabled me to support and encourage others, which also motivates me to do well.
When I’m not working, I enjoy exploring new places with my friends, whether that’s in the UK or travelling abroad.
T: 07971 109800

Elle Douglas
Work Placement Officer
Hi, I’m Elle, the Work Placement Officer for Art, Design, Fashion and Performance Arts. As a lover of all things creative, engaging with employers and building relationships within the industry is a real passion of mine. Nottingham has a really exciting creative scene, and it’s my job to ensure we harness this to create enriching opportunities for our students.
Before working at Nottingham College, I worked for an intermediary organisation in European Mobility, organising UK based work placements in the Hotel and Catering sector for young French adults.
In my free time, I love developing my creativity through paper crafts, painting and knitting. I also love feeding my passion as a foodie by exploring Nottingham’s incredible restaurant scene.
T: 07971 109830