VOLUNTEERS from businesses across the county met with local students to offer an understanding of the world of work.

On Monday, September 22, 28 volunteers from 12 businesses across Gloucestershire met with students to give local pupils an insight into the world of work.

The day provided them with a unique opportunity to hear from and work directly with business mentors from Boots, Ecclesiastical Insurance, Magnox, Lloyds, Asda, Halifax, Commercial Group, Gloucestershire College and Gloucester VSC Alliance.

Working alongside the business mentors at Blackfriars Priory in Gloucester, Years 10, 12 and 13 students from Millbrook Academy, Pittville School, All Saints Academy and Rednock School learned about the key skills businesses look for in potential recruits, explored ways of developing and tracking their own skills and created personal profiles to promote themselves to potential employers.

Facilitator for the event Stuart Langworthy, holder of the Queens Award for Enterprise Promotion, said: “Many employers claim to find it difficult to find young people who are employable.

“This event helped the students to understand what employers are looking for and they were surprised to hear how much importance employers place on personality and interests outside of the classroom.”

Head of Business Studies at Millbrook Academy Jamie Versaci spoke about the importance of business engagement for students.

He said: “The students from Millbrook Academy had a fantastic day at the event. The opportunity to speak directly to employers about what they look for in an employee is invaluable.

“The advice they were given about their applications and the experience of the mock interviews will give them essential skills for their future. Some of our students have already been inspired to apply for apprenticeships and internships as a result of the day, which is a fantastic result.”

Education manager for business in the community Elizabeth Carrington-Porter said: “We know from research by the Education and Employers Taskforce that young people who have access to four or more contacts in the business world are five times less likely to become NEET (not in employment, education or training) than those who have no contact.

“Bringing businesses and young people together in a structured and supportive way has a lasting impact on young people and will help them achieve a more successful transition between education and the world of work.”