A STUDENT from Shelley College has ben offered a one-month work placement with a Huddersfield firm after impressing bosses with her entrepreneurial flair.
Helena Taylor, 17, who is taking A-level business studies, was chosen by Paxman Coolers, of Fenay Bridge, for the placement after being named most entrepreneurial person at Grant Thornton’s Umph! student business competition earlier this month.
The Umph! event at the Galpharm Stadium attracted more than 100 students aged 16 to 19 from across Yorkshire to pit their wits at running a virtual business. Helena was selected for the placement on the strength of her business instincts and positive attitude.
Paxman Coolers produces scalp cooling caps that help prevent hair loss, a distressing side effect of chemotherapy.
Helena will work alongside operations director Richard Paxman this summer on a project to develop a business plan for a new product range to complement the company’s existing hair loss prevention system.
Mr Paxman said: “We chose Helena for this role because of her excellent attitude at the Umph! event. She was confident and inquisitive and asked lots of insightful questions.”
He said: “It is great to be able to give a young person an opportunity to gain some valuable experience. I strongly believe that education gives you a great basis for starting your career, however you really only learn about work when you start!”
Said Helena: “Taking part in Umph! has opened many doors for me and I am thrilled to have been given the opportunity to work at an established and successful business.
“I hope to work closely with Richard to learn more about the marketing and product development as it will give me an insight into a career that I would like to pursue in the future.”
She said: “I think more companies should offer a similar scheme for younger people to experience the working environment.”
Sandra O’Neill, head of business development at business adviser Grant Thornton, which organised the Umph! business and enterprise contest, said: “It is marvellous news that Helena has been given this opportunity.
“Umph! is all about equipping young people with the skills that they will need to be the business leaders of tomorrow, as well as helping them to maximise the chances that they are given in life.”
