Student secures exciting opportunity with Port Vale FC

NSCG’s Newcastle College student Viclyn Jude (VJ) wowed his employers at Port Vale Football Club, becoming the college’s first Supported Internship learner to receive an offer of employment upon completion of their placement.

Originally working in a role within the Maintenance team, VJ assisted with the upkeep of Vale Park, including painting, repairs and equipment installations, gaining practical work experience and enhancing his employment potential. He has also had the opportunity to work alongside a variety of other departments, including hospitality, stewarding and crowd control on match days.

VJ then settled into the Ground Maintenance department, where he contributed to the upkeep of the pitch with tasks such as mowing, aerating and line marking. Throughout his internship, VJ was recognised for his initiative, work ethic and polite manner which led to the offer of additional work with the club’s Ground Maintenance team.

VJ continued to flourish and has recently received a further offer of employment from Shanahan Property Services who are subcontracted to support the maintenance of Port Vale Football Club.

Kelly Keeling, from NSCG’s Supported Internship team, said: “As VJ’s job coach, I can say that he has been an absolute pleasure to work with this year. His work ethic has shone through since the start, and he has shown complete determination in both his written and practical work. His friendly demeanour makes him a joy to be around. Keep being you VJ, you should be very proud!” Dave Cumberbatch, of Port Vale’s Maintenance team, said: “VJ is a credit to the college, he does everything that is asked of him and shows a huge amount of initiative. He arrives early most days and always puts in 100%. The different teams are always fighting for VJ’s help, and he has set the bar very high for future interns.”