We say farewell to our two young placement students

In July and August of this year we said goodbye and good luck to two of our young work placement students as they finished their projects with us and moved onto the next chapter in their lives.

Ava Grace, GPLD project intern and Seth Benn, RIBA work placement student both began working with GPLD on different projects to gain work experience while studying for their school and university courses; Ava working towards completing her University of Cumbria Social Leadership Enterprise for ACE (Arts Council England’s) Changing Places Programme and Seth studying for his A-Levels at Ermysted’s Sixth Form.

Ava says ‘Great Place: Lakes & Dales gave me the opportunity to grow and develop my leadership style from interning as Project Manager. I was fortunate to be part of a cultivated safe space which has no doubt helped me develop as a person. They have helped me to gain the experience needed, alongside the knowledge my University of Cumbria Social Leadership Enterprise course have given me, in order to be able to create the positive and transformational change needed within the Great Place: Lakes & Dales.‘

We’d also like to offer a huge congratulations to Seth Benn who got accepted into Manchester School of Architecture after passing his A-Levels with flying colours.

Seth’s work experience focused on the RIBA competition and contributed to his EPQ (Extended Project Application) which considered the importance of architecture and design in providing solutions to Britain’s Housing Crisis. “I chose this area of research as I am interested in architecture and the important role it plays in building communities and supporting mental health and wellbeing” said Seth.

He also completed an audit report of the shortlisted RIBA entries for the sites in Horton-in-Ribblesdale and Burneside, making recommendations on requirements for future living spaces for young people living in rural places.

We wish them both the best of luck in their next chapter, and we hope to work with them again in the future!