Two University Centre Weston (UCW) students are undertaking unique work placements in Gibraltar.
Emma Pottle and Connor Thompson study Public and Environmental Health at UCW and are currently working with the Gibraltar Environment Agency.
They have been in the British Overseas Territory for the past week.
As well as getting the chance to see the famous rock, the pair have so far undertaken housing inspections, been involved with dealing with complaints about food premises, analysed air quality and received training on how Gibraltar checks food coming through the airport.
They have also experienced public health challenges that come with the warmer weather in Gibraltar in the form of American cockroaches in the drainage system and run-ins with the rock’s resident monkeys.
Their remaining few days will include water sampling and quality control, and they are also set to find out more about how Gibraltar plans for public health emergencies.
Emma said: “These seven days have been full-on and extremely informative.
“I would definitely recommend a work placement like this to anyone who wants to gain experience in different areas of professional practice.”
Connor added: “It has been an amazing experience working overseas and I’m grateful for the help I’ve received in securing an opportunity like this allowing me to see a different part of the world.
“It has been interesting to see the differences in how public and environmental health is managed in Gibraltar, and the Environmental Agency team has been very welcoming and helpful.”
UCW Public and Environmental Health degree students have been undertaking work experience with the Gibraltar Environment Agency for the past five years.
One of the first students to take part in the initiative, Daniel Rozario, even accepted a job offer with the organisation last year and is now working on the headland.
UCW tries to support students to gain professional experience whilst they are studying, including with the Employability Scholarship worth up to £500.
Please click here to find out more about studying Public and Environmental Health at UCW.
