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: 0115 884 2240

Stephen Jones
Work Placement Officer
I’m Ste, the Work Placement Officer for Technology, incorporating Automotive, Computing & Office Technologies, and Engineering. I enjoy forging lasting links between the College and our exciting partners such as car and motorcycle garages, engineering firms, software and app developers, and businesses ranging from sole traders to large national names.
I hail from Liverpool 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 drummer and guitarist, a football obsessive, a movie nerd and a voracious reader.
T: 0115 884 2713

Emma Fountain
Work Placement Officer
Hey, I’m Emma, the Work Placement Officer for Construction and Built Environment. I absolutely love finding and sourcing Work Placements for the students at Nottingham College and engaging with all the employers that offer these interesting and exciting placements.
Before I joined Nottingham College, I spent many years managing in the hospitality industry and working on cruise ships before turning my hand to teaching in my 30s. I spent a few years studying and gaining teaching qualifications (including a first class BA in SEND) proving that it doesn’t matter how old you are, the world can still be your oyster. From this I taught in various environments including schools, prisons and alternative provisions, experiences I enjoyed and learnt so much from.
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.
My moto to live by is live, love and laugh.
T: 0115 884 2216

Richard Hodgins
Work Placement Officer
Hi, I’m Richard, the Work Placement Officer for Sport, Public Services, Travel and Tourism and Aviation, Catering and Hospitality. 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 Business, Hair & Beauty, GCSEs and A Levels.
I love making placements within interesting companies accessible to all students, regardless of their background.
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.

Jennifer Basi
Work Placement Achievement Coach
I’m Jenni, the Work Placement Achievement Coach for all Creative Art courses.
I, myself, have studied Art and Textiles for approximately 8 years, as well as teaching it. Therefore I have good subject knowledge and an understanding of the industry demands that creative students face.
In my spare time I like to create my own artwork while watching a Louis Theroux documentary.

Emma Blomfield
Work Placement Achievement Coach
I’m Emma, the Work Placement Achievement Coach for Technology which includes Automotive, Computing & Office Technologies, and Engineering.
Before working at Nottingham College I lived all 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 having lots of adventures with my dog, Eddie.

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!

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!

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.

Elle Douglas
Work Placement Achievement Coach
Hi, I’m Elle, the Work Placement Achievement Coach for Hair & Beauty, Sport & Public Services and Catering, Travel & Tourism. Supporting students to benefit from the incredible opportunities that work placements can bring is one of the key driving forces in my work.
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.