"Careers Speed Networking Event" - 8th November 2019
On Friday 8th November, three students from FE attended and took part in a speed networking event at Leicester Racecourse. At the event there was representation from over 100 businesses across a variety of industries, as well as in excess of 300 students from Leicester City and Leicestershire.
On the day, each table had designated employers sitting opposite the students and when the bell rang, the employers had three minutes to discuss their industries and the students had the opportunity to ask any questions and gain as much information as possible before the time was up and the next employer moved across. The three Ash Field students met, spoke and networked with over 15 employers each, growing in confidence as the day progressed.
Not only did the students find the experience interesting, it also opened their eyes to the number of jobs and industries that are out there;
“As if it’s someone’s job to make colours for ice-cream and Maccy’s cheese yellow!?!”
The three Ash Field students devised and asked questions that were challenging to the employers:
- “Have you signed up to the Disability Confident Employer Scheme?”
- “Do you currently employ anyone in a wheelchair?”
Also asking questions to gain an insight into the company and the skills required for the roles:
- “What does a typical day/week look like in your role?”
- “What soft skills are important to your role?”
The organisers were extremely happy that Ash Field pupils attended the event and the students left lasting impressions on the employers. Resulting in positive links that we will be looking into.
“I was speaking to one of your pupils who inspired me, if or when we get another project it may be suitable to obtain their advice and perspective on future designs prior to construction…I would be happy to discuss any possibility in assisting their future, or ours.”
“Meeting the pupils from Ash Field today really made me and us as a company think about our responsibility to young people and how we might need to make changes to offer a disabled wheelchair user a job within our company”