This week, we had the incredible opportunity to join Versantus for a week of work experience. Our team (Connor, Ben, Hazel, and Oscar) embarked on an exciting journey to develop a website named Versantus Academy. This platform aims to recruit future work experience applicants, summer work applicants, and those seeking junior-level job opportunities.
On our first day, we were warmly welcomed by the Versantus team and given an overview of the company’s mission and values. We were then introduced to our project: creating the Versantus Academy website. The initial brainstorming session was thrilling, as we discussed our ideas and how we could make this website both functional and appealing to future applicants.
The second day was all about planning and design. We sketched out the site’s layout, focusing on user experience and accessibility. Versantus mentors guided us through best practices in web design, emphasizing the importance of a clean, intuitive interface. By the end of the day, we had a solid wireframe and a clear vision of what we wanted to achieve.
With our plans in place, we dove into development on day three. Using the latest web technologies, we began building the site using the WordPress theme that we had selected on day 2. Each of us took on different roles, ranging from styling the home page to SEO research to ensure future applicants can easily find Versantus Academy. The collaborative environment at Versantus made it easy for us to communicate and support each other’s work.
As with any project, we faced some challenges on the fourth day. Integrating various components and ensuring cross-browser compatibility required us to troubleshoot and problem-solve creatively. The Versantus team was always ready to help, offering valuable insights and advice. By the end of the day, we had overcome the hurdles and made significant progress.
On our final day, we focused on polishing the website and preparing our presentation. We tested the site extensively to ensure it was bug-free and responsive on all devices. Presenting our work to the Versantus team was the highlight of the week. Their positive feedback and encouragement were immensely rewarding, and we felt proud of what we had accomplished in such a short time.
Our week at Versantus has been an enriching experience, providing us with hands-on skills and a deeper understanding of the web development process. We are grateful for the mentorship and support we received, and we are excited to see how Versantus Academy will help future students and job seekers.
Thank you, Versantus, for an unforgettable experience. We look forward to seeing Versantus Academy flourish and inspire many others like us!
We hope this blog gives you a glimpse into our journey and the incredible opportunities that await future applicants at Versantus Academy. Stay tuned for more updates and get ready to embark on your own adventure with Versantus!
By Connor, Ben, Hazel, and Oscar

July 8th-12th, 2024

At Versantus, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative environment. This past week, we had the pleasure of hosting four talented students—Ben, Oscar, Hazel, and Connor — for a week of immersive work experience. Their mission? To develop a website named Versantus Academy, aimed at recruiting future work experience applicants, summer workers, and junior-level job seekers.

From the moment they arrived, it was clear that this group of students was eager and enthusiastic. We began the week with a warm welcome and an orientation session, where we introduced them to Versantus’ culture, values, and the exciting project ahead. The students were tasked with creating a platform that would be the gateway for future talent to join our team.

The second day was all about ideation and planning. We guided the students through a brainstorming session, encouraging them to think creatively about the design and functionality of Versantus Academy. It was inspiring to see their ideas take shape and to watch them collaborate so seamlessly. They quickly grasped the importance of user experience and accessibility, key principles we uphold at Versantus.

By day three, the students were ready to dive into development. Each took on specific roles. Our team provided mentorship and support, ensuring they had the resources and guidance needed to bring their vision to life. Their dedication and teamwork were truly commendable.

Challenges are an inevitable part of any project, and day four brought its share. The students faced issues with integrating various components and ensuring the website was cross-browser compatible. We encouraged them to approach these challenges as learning opportunities. Their resilience and problem-solving skills shone through as they worked together to find solutions, with our team offering advice and insights along the way.

The final day was all about refining the website and preparing for the presentation. The students conducted thorough testing to ensure the site was responsive and bug-free. Watching them present their work was a proud moment for all of us. They had created a functional, aesthetically pleasing website that met the project’s goals. The positive feedback they received was well-deserved.

As a staff member overseeing this work experience program, I am immensely proud of what Ben, Oscar, Hazel, and Connor accomplished. Their hard work, creativity, and collaboration not only resulted in a fantastic website but also demonstrated the potential of the next generation of web developers.

This experience has reinforced our commitment to providing meaningful opportunities for students to learn and grow. We believe that initiatives like this are crucial for nurturing talent and fostering a culture of innovation. Versantus Academy is now ready to inspire and recruit future applicants, thanks to the dedication and efforts of these incredible students.

Thank you, Ben, Oscar, Hazel, and Connor, for your outstanding contributions. We look forward to seeing all that you will achieve in the future!

By Matt Gilbert.