OnSite Central stepped back into the classroom recently to offer support to young people pondering the difficult decision about the next step in their careers.
In partnership with Bristol WORKS, OnSite attended two school projects in July as part of their social value commitment to client, Bristol City Council, whom they have a four-year framework agreement to undertake routine maintenance of watercourses and associated structures.
Bristol WORKS is a service provided by Bristol City Council that facilitates work experience opportunities for young people and brings employers and education providers together to inspire young people and those most at risk of being left behind.
Head of Business Development, Steve Ovington, attended a Careers Speed Networking event at Oasis Academy, Brightstowe on Thursday 11 July where he met with several students on work experience week. Alongside three other employers, Steve shared his knowledge and experiences with the pupils, who were provided with resources and encouraged to ask questions.
A week later, Steve attended a mock interview event at Bridge Learning Campus where he met with Year 10 students during their work experience week. Eleven other industry representatives also attended the event and a total of 140 students participated.
Steve conducted 15-minute mock interviews with ten students who each had diverse career aspirations, including becoming a brain surgeon, car mechanic, dance teacher, and lawyer. Steve was provided with a set of mock interview questions to ask the students, guiding them on improving their interview techniques. Steve and all the industry representatives were also asked to provide written feedback on the interviewees.
Steve commented: “I sincerely hope that the students gained a valuable insight from myself and the other industry representatives into the hitherto daunting world of employment. It was an enjoyable and rewarding experience to share time with bright, engaging and confident young students who were themselves inspirational and a credit to their parents and the respective schools.”
Bristol WORKS was delighted with the involvement from OnSite and following the event, provided feedback thanking Steve for his support, advice and guidance during the networking and mock interviews, which will no doubt contribute to building the students’ self-esteem.
