The building society, which was awarded Disability Confident Leader status in January 2022, welcomed its first two students from Penn Hall this month. The work experience placements form part of the Society’s wider diversity and inclusion plans, particularly their focus to attract more people with disabilities to apply for roles within the business.

Ali and Mirko were the first students from Penn Hall to undertake work experience with the West Brom.

Reflecting on his work experience in the IT team, Mirko said: “I love technology and I want to have a career in this sector so I was really excited to start work experience in the IT department. It has been great learning about all the different tasks that IT do on a daily basis and it’s given me an idea of what real work is like.

“Being a wheelchair user, all the facilities are really good throughout the whole building and I’m able to manoeuvre without any obstacles. I would have loved to do the experience for a longer period of time as I have really enjoyed it here!”

Emma Gilham, Assistant Headteacher at Penn Hall School, said: “We are excited to be working in collaboration with the West Brom Building Society on accessibility and diversity within the community and the workplace. Our students have been made to feel welcome and have enjoyed working in the IT and Facilities Management teams.”

Bina Desai, HR Business Partner and Chair of the West Brom’s diversity and inclusion network, Connect, said: “Here at the West Brom, we work hard to ensure the organisation is diverse, inclusive and representative of our wide customer base therefore, it’s great to see our partnership with Penn Hall School come to fruition.”

Photograph caption (L-R): Mirko and Ali joined the West Brom building society for work experience.