Hinckley and Rugby Building Society head office hosted a work tour for a group of students from West Gate School in mid January. Organised by Denise Bradshaw, Executive Assistant to the CEO, and keen Leicestershire Cares volunteer, the students with Special Educational Needs were given a brilliant experience of a workplace. They were shown around the IT department first, with fascinated students asking numerous questions about their roles in the company and the technology they use. Next, they were shown the Finance Department and asked lots of questions about finances and the staff’s day-to-day tasks. After this they had a talk from the Mortgages department and learnt about the process of getting a mortgage. Lastly, they visited the Savings department and learnt about the kinds of savings products they offer. One student commented that they all worked on computers a lot, which they agreed was a key feature of a modern building society, and offices generally.
I discovered about the amount of roles there are. [In a building society.]
Student participant from West Gate School
Next the students were split into groups, with each group working in a key area of operations. They all had the opportunity to use the franking machine in the post room, to stuff envelopes for a marketing job and to assist in the stationery room collecting stationery to be sent out to the building society branches. The students all really enjoyed the hands-on experience with several commenting that they would like to work there!
“I enjoyed doing the letters.”
Student participant from West Gate School
I discovered that I would really enjoy working here
Student participant from West Gate School
West Gate school commented on how hands-on and interactive the tour was.
Excellent day, great interaction. Thank you!
Teacher, West Gate School
Finally, Denise and the team laid on a fantastic buffet lunch for students and staff and joined us for lunch where the young people were buzzing with excitement about the tour and work experience.
Huge thanks again to Denise and the team of wonderful staff at Hinckley and Rugby Building Society for making everyone so welcome and for providing such an amazing work tour experience.
Information on the We Discover project
Working in partnership with the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership Careers Hub, We Discover project supports students in key transition years at Special Educational Needs and Disability schools in Leicester and Leicestershire. Funded by the Careers and Enterprise Company’s Effective Transitions Fund, the aim of We Discover is to deliver tailored careers interventions to students in order for them to make successful post-16 transitions.
For all the sessions, we provide guidance, a briefing, session plans, resources and support on the day. Why not volunteer for a rewarding session next year? We have plenty of events coming up. Please see dates on our website here Employability | Leicestershire Cares
Make a difference to young people with special educational needs and disabilities - Spare an Hour this new year!
If you would like to volunteer, or would like more information please contact Fiona@leicestershirecares.co.uk or interviewtechnique@leicestershirecares.co.uk
