As a company and a charity, Sport Aberdeen aim to be the employer of choice by providing an environment that successfully attracts, develops and retains talent.

This also means offering opportunities to people from varying backgrounds regardless of age, experience or disability. While this has been highlighted in our Modern Apprentice Scheme, the first of its kind in Scotland, Sport Aberdeen regularly offer further opportunities to students.

Most recently, we had the pleasure of having Timothy Neil and Clare Fyfe from Robert Gordon University applying their knowledge and enhancing their experience with us.

Tim has cerebral palsy which makes mobility and writing a challenge for him. However this did not stop him from impressing during his interview and delivering great work throughout his placement.

“My role involved coming in and looking at Sport Aberdeen’s communication strategy and suggesting potential improvements.

One of the main benefits for me was definitely the fact that all of my suggestions were always taken on board and considered fairly. I was never told that one of my suggestions was rubbish. In fact, I saw many of my suggestions being implemented and considered by the organisation by the end of my placement which gave me a great sense of pride.”

“However, the main benefit for was was the feeling I got when I opened up the Grampian Disability Sport newsletter that was finished after my placement period and saw many of the articles I had worked on featured in the newsletter. This gave me a great sense of pride in my work as I know not all placement students will get the opportunity to see that work used in an official context. This made me feel absolutely fantastic and further confirmed that my work was valuable to you as an organisation.”

Clare also impressed during her time with Sport Aberdeen and her six week placement was a great success. She worked tirelessly during working hours and was always willing to assist out with them.

“I really enjoyed my experience with Sport Aberdeen. My main project was working on the customer feedback process for all the services and venues, which has helped me to develop my research and presentation skills.

I was also involved with an international Taekwon-Do event which gave me a new insight into events. Sport Aberdeen offers so many different services that there is always a way for everyone go get involved, whatever their skills and knowledge.”

Cases like these prove how hard work and graft are invaluable when developing for future employment and also the importance of experience in a working environment.

Sport Aberdeen would like to thank both Tim and Clare for their help and wish them the best of luck with their studies and future.