There are many benefits for businesses that engage with students at local secondary schools and colleges.
From college leavers with new ideas and project capability, to younger people wanting to learn more about a diverse range of workplaces and industries, your business could not only support these students looking for their first step towards gaining valuable experience but also bring a wealth of knowledge and a fresh pair of eyes to your workplace.
Whether you can offer work experience at some point during the year, give a short talk to a group of students, or a presentation on your career to date during National Careers Week, this support can mean a lot to the students, especially those who have missed out during the pandemic. Young people leaving education also greatly benefit from going through the process of a mock interview, gaining confidence and valuable techniques. Scroll down to see when you could get involved and help support the workforce of tomorrow.
"I had a great experience on my placement and gained a greater understanding of the business world as a result. From listening in on an international trade forum to learning about how to speak to clients and understand their needs, I went on to research and gather information to help the team make improvements to some of its websites. My opinions were listened to and felt valued. It was a really good opportunity."
Lucy Barker, Student, Woking College
National Careers Week 2024
National Careers Week invites employees, employers and sole traders from a wide range of industries to give an informal presentation or short workshop local students planning their next step beyond education.
This year's event takes place 4-9 March 2024.
Locally, Woking High School will be hosting its annual Student/Employer Speed Networking event on 28 February, 9am-12.40pm.
Designed to inspire Year 9 students with role models from all industry sectors, make links between learning and the world of work, and support students to make better informed decisions about their futures, the networking enables small groups of the young people to spend around eight minutes speaking with a rota of employers. Students interested in a particular career path or industry can then book a five-minute slot with specific employers.
Interested employers should contact the school's Careers Co-ordinator, Carol Jarman [email protected]
Hoe Valley School will be holding its first ever Careers Fair on 20 March 2024, to support students in its new 6th Form, as well as those in year groups seven to 13.
The event runs from 8.50am to 12.50pm, with all year groups having their own time slot.
The school welcomes employers, employees, colleges, universities, training companies and apprenticeship providers, across as many industries as possible to attend. Through the event, they hope to demonstrate career pathways to students and new and exciting possibilities that they may not have considered.
If you are able to join as an exhibitor, want further information about the event or can help by speaking to students about the work you do, please contact the school's Careers Advisor, Sandra Cox [email protected].
Woking College Careers Fair - 25 June 2024
At the annual Woking College Careers Fair you can join up to 100 other local businesses and universities to promote your company and its career opportunities to around 800 students.
This is a great cost-free opportunity to talk to a huge potential future workforce about your job sector and company, available roles, any schemes you offer to college leavers or apprenticeships and part time roles which may fit around students’ studies.
Please contact Sarah Williams [email protected] if you are interested in having a stand.
WORK EXPERIENCE
An ideal opportunity to link directly to the labour market, successful placements can lead to engaging a part-time or seasonal employee, an apprentice, or even a new full-time worker.
"We've got 12 students booked in for work experience so far this year, and recently gave presentations at three local high schools about working in the film industry. We actively encourage and mentor students so that we can support them on their journey. As a company, we feel that work experience is super important, particularly given the effects of the Covid lockdowns on some students' social skills and confidence."
Phil Miller, MD, DreamingFish
Upcoming opportunities:
Woking College students are aged 16-18, and have the capability to research and undertake real projects during their placements.
Contact Helen Taylor Work Experience Co-ordinator at the college if you can offer work experience 26 February-1 March and/or 10-14 June 2024.
Would you be able to provide one or more work experience placements to students?
Contact the following School Careers Coordinators direct, to discuss what you can offer:
- Bishop David Brown (24-28 June 2024). Contact: Safia Eljamaly
- Hoe Valley School. Contact: Work Experience Co-ordinator
- St. John the Baptist. Contact: Jennifer Damiamo / Shenaz Drury
- Winston Churchill School (1-15 July 2024). Contact: Lara Smyth
- Woking High School (8-12 July 2024). Contact: Carol Jarman
ANNUAL OPPORTUNITIES
The National Apprentice Show
The National Apprentice Show, London and South East is the perfect event for school and college leavers, and young adults, to discover more about apprenticeships across the region. London & SE - The National Apprenticeship Show is being held at Sandown Park Race Course, Epsom, Surrey.
Tuesday 27 February 10am-2.30pm and 3.30-6pm
Wednesday 28 February 10am-2pm
Ongoing opportunities:
The Brooklands Innovation Academy
The Brooklands Innovation Academy inspires and supports young people to become the next generation of scientists and engineers.
Guildford Games Festival
The Guildford Games Festival is a multi-day celebration where fans can try out demos, chat with developers, watch livestreams, and learn about upcoming games.
Pinewood Futures Festival
Pinewood Futures Festival is the biggest screen industry careers event in the UK for young people looking to start a career in the film and TV sectors. It is being held 24-25 November 2023.
The Children's Business Fair UK
The Children’s Business Fair UK gives young entrepreneurs aged 7-17 the opportunity to launch their very own business, sell to real customers and make their own money. https://childrensbusinessfair.co.uk/
University of the Creative Arts
Open Days | University for the Creative Arts (uca.ac.uk)
"We are not just a business but an organisation of people who care about the society we live in. Most of us have children and we care very much about their future, so it is a privilege to be able to provide work experience for the future generation. It does not require that much time from us but is extremely rewarding."
Ivan Dos Santos, Service Desk Manager, Pro Drive IT
