Oli’s Work Placement: Getting to grips with a busy reception

Oli is currently studying OCR Level 2 Cambridge Technical Certificate in Information Technology, OCR Level 2 Cambridge Technical Business and RSL Level 2 Creative Music Industry. As part of his Business course, Oli is required to complete a work placement to support his understanding of working in a business and administrative environment.


He is completing this placement on Reception at thePoint4, where he attends once a fortnight to gain practical, hands-on experience.

Although it is still early in the placement, Oli has already begun to take on a range of general reception duties. These include signing in visitors, printing visitor passes and emailing staff to notify them when parcels have arrived.



The Business course is designed to develop both knowledge and practical skills, and this placement gives Oli the opportunity to apply what he is learning in a real working environment. One of the main benefits of the placement so far has been the development of Oli’s customer service skills and confidence.

Working on reception has helped him to understand how a front-facing role operates on a day-to-day basis. As Julie, the receptionist supporting him, explained:

‘Reception can be busy and unpredictable, often coming in waves, and it is about learning how to manage different demands while continuing to provide a good service.’

This experience is helping Oli to build key employability skills such as communication, organisation and the ability to stay calm under pressure.

Oli is already taking on more responsibility. He is communicating professionally through email and is beginning to develop his data input skills by adding a new gym member onto the system. As his confidence grows, he will also begin to develop his telephone skills, including answering calls and using the radio system.



Looking ahead, Oli hopes to work in IT when he leaves RNC. The experience he is gaining through this placement will support that goal, as it is helping him to develop transferable skills such as communication, data handling and working with a range of different people. He is making good progress and is gaining valuable experience that will support both his studies and his future career plans.