Arran, a student at Beaumont College in Lancaster, part of Salutem Care and Education, has taken an inspiring step towards his dream of working with marine life after securing an exciting work placement at Lakes Aquarium.
Joining Beaumont College in September 2025, Arran arrived with a clear ambition: to one day build a career at the aquarium in Plymouth. With the support of Job Coach Vickie Clegg and Employability Lead Rosie Talbot, an opportunity was arranged for him to visit the nearby Lakes Aquarium for an informal interview and tour of the Newby Bridge attraction.
Following several positive conversations with the aquarium team, including Beth Nortley and Gary Hicks, Arran was absolutely delighted to be offered a placement and official start date.
From the moment he arrived, Arran was warmly welcomed by the team and even given his very own work experience uniform. He threw himself into every task with enthusiasm, completing a practice census, helping with stock rotation in the gift shop, sweeping, and even assisting with the bins ā all while wearing a bright smile and asking thoughtful questions.
He also shared his passion for recycling and protecting wildlife from pollution, sparking conversations about how he can help raise awareness at college and across the local community. Arran has already arranged to meet with Milly, the aquariumās conservation lead, to explore how Beaumont College can get involved in conservation schemes in the area.
Reflecting on his action-packed first day, Arran laughed and said:
āTheyāve kept me on my toes today!ā
Work placements like Arranās play an essential role in the student journey at Beaumont College, which supports young adults with a wide range of physical and learning impairments. These opportunities allow students to apply their skills in real workplaces, gain valuable experience, and take important steps towards achieving their personal aspirations.
Employment Lead Rosie Talbot summed up the experience perfectly:
āItās been wonderful to see Arranās confidence grow. Heās shown real determination to follow his dreams, and we are incredibly grateful to Lakes Aquarium for being such a supportive partner.ā
Lorraine Jones, Lead Tutor at Beaumont College, added:
Weāre proud to work with a wide range of employers to provide meaningful work placements that align with each studentās individual goals, educational journey and career aspirations. These partnerships are invaluable in helping students gain real-world experience, build confidence and put their learning into practice
She also highlighted that students work towards an employability qualification alongside their placements, helping them develop their professionalism, enhance their CVs, and prepare for their next steps.
