SS&L Employer of the Month – July 2026

“It is clear SS&L take care in matching learners to the right environment. We never felt like we were left to figure things out on our own and that makes a real difference when you are running a busy business!”

With July being Work Experience Month, we thought it only right to feature one of our fantastic work experience partners for Employer of the Month…. So congratulations to Wags & Whiskers Pet Hotel & Spa in Highbridge 🎉🎉

SS&L’s Work Experience Officer Claire nominated Wags & Whiskers owner Natalie for the award, saying:

“Natalie has been excellent with Future Ready learner Sophie, giving her a brilliant opportunity to gain real-life experience and get stuck into all aspects of the business. Sophie has gained a lot out of her placement and even been offered a permanent position. We couldn’t have asked for a better outcome.”

Finding the time

For Claire, a busy and thriving local business such as Wags & Whiskers is the ideal placement for one of our 16-19 learners.

“When SS&L first approached us about hosting a work experience learner, we were open to it,” explains Natalie. “But like any busy operation we were mindful of the time and attention it requires to support someone new.”

She continues: “Fortunately, SS&L have been great to work with. The process has been straightforward and well organised. We never felt like we were left to figure things out on our own. There has been good communication throughout and that makes a real difference”

And what about Sophie?

“From the very first day Sophie arrived at Wags & Whiskers, any reservations we may have had simply disappeared!” says Natalie.

Though Wags & Whiskers aren’t new to hosting work experience placements for school pupils, this was their first experience supporting an SS&L Future Ready learner.

“Sophie came in with a positive attitude and a genuine willingness to get stuck in. It quickly became clear that this wasn’t just a box ticking exercise for her. She genuinely wanted to be here and to learn!”

“It’s clear SS&L take care in matching learners to the right environment, and this experience has really proven that.”

Claire adds: “From our first conversation Sophie made it clear that she wanted to work with animals. The challenge for me was to find her a placement that would encourage her enthusiasm and give her direction. Wags & Whiskers made that very easy for me!”

What’s next for our Employer of the Month?

While Sophie has completed her work experience placement, Natalie isn’t quite ready to let her go just yet!

“We are delighted to say that Sophie’s journey with us hasn’t ended with her work experience. It is just getting started! We have offered Sophie a paid position at Wags & Whiskers, continuing in the role she grew into during her placement. But more than that, we have provided her with a clear pathway to progress into a senior role within the team. We will be funding her Level 3 Animal Care qualification, because we believe in investing in people who show the commitment and character that Sophie has. We see a really bright future for her here and we couldn’t be prouder to have been part of her start.”

“If there are employers out there on the fence about getting involved with SS&L, we would say go for it. You might just find your next great hire!”

If your business could help change a young person’s life by offering them work experience, contact our Work Experience Officer Claire by emailing WEXOfficer@SSLCourses.co.uk