ACADEMIC staff have highlighted the excellent achievements of some of their students who are set to graduate.

Judie Taylor in Creative Expressive Therapies outlined the success of Reuben Francis, who has landed work as the extended services play leader for Rutland County Council following his degree.

It's been a busy first few months in post for Reuben. Work is under way to develop several play areas in the county and, in December, a new £200,000 mobile play provision was launched to boost play and recreation opportunities for young people in Rutland's villages.

The activity centre is packed with sports and games equipment, a snooker table, circus skills equipment, arts and crafts, music and much more to keep eight-to-13-year-olds entertained.

Reuben also has his own business as a creative arts specialist, facilitating arts workshops for people of all ages to provide opportunities for creativity, self expression, and learning through play.

Brian Counter highlighted the success of four students achieving the FdSc Built Environment Civil Engineering who have also obtained Eng Tech TMICE professional recognition following a review in July 2009. They are Charlie Whittaker, Hannah Barratt, Richard Spendlove and Jamie Stone.

Karen Newberry nominated the achievements of BSc Hons Occupational Therapy student Katie Wood, from Yeaveley, near Ashbourne, who worked with homeless people on a placement project for the Salvation Army in Sneinton, Nottingham.

Karen said: "The placement was both personally and professionally challenging, as Katie had to establish a working relationship with staff and service users and identify what occupational therapy could offer in this setting.

"As homeless services on a national scale move their focus towards supporting people who are homeless into both long-term accommodation and employment, and in facilitating them to live meaningful lives, there appears to be an expanding role for occupational therapists in this field."

Katie added: "It was a challenge and my skills were helpful in offering one-to-one support and organising activities for some of the people using the service."

Katie is now working for mental health services in Staffordshire.

She feels that the skills and knowledge gained in the placement have equipped her well both in the selection process for gaining employment and in her future career.