We’re lucky enough to work in a super vibrant and busy mill space-  lots of independent businesses from creative production companies to yoga studios and accountancy firms to coffee roasters. We also have the best landlords in the country ( but we’ll save that for another time) An ever-growing part of our ‘campus’ is Leeds SILC Powerhouse-  a specialist post 16 Inclusive Learning Centre. It’s an inspiring and innovative provision for young people with any special educational need from physical disability through to autism.  

The students are given practical life skills such as cookery lessons or how to assemble flat pack furniture (something which should be offered in ALL schools) and they are also supported into practical work placements to up-skill. 

We’ve been lucky enough to have one of their students, Lewis with us for this last term and are even more delighted that he’s agreed to come back in the Autumn. For one day a week Lewis has been an invaluable member of our team- you might think that marshmallow making is a pretty niche life skill but Lewis now knows his way around a bakery kitchen better than me…and is faster (and neater) at lining our baking trays than me,

His level of quality control is exceptional and he also gives the best answers in the game of ‘top 3 desert island items’. We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect addition to our bakery. On his last day before the summer break Lewis and I chatted about his last few months with us and he told me how fascinated he was by the whole process of how marshmallows are made and what ingredients go in to them. 

I also asked him what his dream marshmallow flavour would be and he said …'chocolate orange'.

So watch this space. 

Leeds SILC are really keen for more diverse and supportive work places for their students- placements that give genuine opportunity and enhancement. So, if you think you can offer a placement then I would recommend it 100%.