TTPL Student Ambassadors - One Year On!

Our ‘Student Ambassador’ scheme has been running for a whole year now and has been even more successful than we dared hope.   The role was created to act as a link between us and our students; to offer a more inclusive approach to our welfare and support.

From Susi and Nikolas to Jonathan and Nuria, they have all been outstanding in their attitude and commitment, they've immersed themselves in their UK experience and helped so many other students along the way.

Our nominated Ambassadors act as a link with our students,  sharing helpful hints and tips for enjoying life here in sunny Devon, keeping everyone up to date with the social scene and local events and generally ensuring all our students are happy with their whole experience, especially outside of the workplace.

As well as attending our weekly cultural and social meetings, where they help our students enjoy visits to local tourist attractions, activities such as bowling or experience a real Devon Cream Tea, they also come along to our weekly Conversation Café’s to encourage everyone  to mix and chat in English about their experiences and (more importantly) make plans for the weekends!

Last week we said goodbye to Jonathan in Exeter and welcomed Clara to the role.  

Nuria will also be leaving shortly and so the hunt is on for our next Torbay Student to take on the baton, and so it continues . . . 

Moving on…

Work Placement Manager Ian is moving on!

After 8 years, hundreds (thousands) of students, many trips abroad and so many laughs it is impossible to count, I have decided to take a huge leap of faith and take up some freelance opportunities supporting local businesses with their Social Media (among other things)! The time is right for me to join the army of self-employed, small business owners and get out there!

Thankfully, my relationship with the TTPL Directors is such that I am able to move on and still maintain a great relationship with them and the company. I will also be retaining some aspects of the role that I have enjoyed for so long; teacher and delegate visits, some of the social media activity and the occasional work placement start when needed.

Really…how could I possibly draw a final line under TTPL!

All this means that my last ‘official’ day at TTPL towers will be the 19^th February – exciting times indeed.

I want to take this opportunity to thank the entire TTPL team; Jayne, Wendy and Nadine, without their support this would not be possible. Vicky, my opposite number who keeps the office running and generally makes sure that everything goes as smoothly as possible; Jo and Aaron, ‘My’ team…it is so much easier to move on knowing that they will continue to offer the right support to the many hundreds of work placements that I have had the pleasure of working with during my time here. Not forgetting Debra, Andrea, Dan, Tanja, Shirley, Lisa and of course Gemma (currently on maternity leave), you have all played your part and helped make TTPL the amazing place it is today and given me many happy memories.
Last night we spent a few hours at the Visto Lounge; some drinks, some reminiscing and a lot more laughs...along with some very generous gifts - what can I say!

I will miss you all but am happy that I will be able continue to work alongside you.

Thank you all

Ian

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