News Working Options at Collyer’s 20.11.2019

Collyer’s recently welcomed top business experts Emma Laurie (National Account Manager, Gillette Venus – Procter & Gamble) and Chris Craig (Commercial Director at Westmill, Associated British Foods) who visited the Ofsted Outstanding Sixth Form College to share their experiences with students. The business leaders spoke about their career journeys since leaving education and gave students the opportunity to ask questions about what employers are looking for, and how to stand out from others and prepare for the world of work.

Lucy Hargreaves, Employability Programme Co-ordinator, organised the event in conjunction with Lauren Monk at the Working Options charity. She felt the session was a big success: “The level of student engagement and enthusiasm was impressive and testament to the inspiring guest speakers. Massive thanks to Emma and Chris!”

The aim of the busy and insightful session was to help students from across the college, including those currently studying the highly regarded Collyer’s Employability Programme, gain an understanding of career paths and how to research and apply for a variety of roles.

During the presentations, students were able to ask the experts probing questions about the world of work, apprenticeships, degree apprenticeships, sponsored degrees, degrees and their top tips for making a positive impression at interview!

Collyer’s Deputy Principal, Steve Martell, who teaches the Employability course, facilitated the session. He was delighted: “Huge thanks to these incredibly successful business experts for taking time out to help Collyer’s students plan for their futures. Emma and Chris are hugely inspiring people and today has been a big success all-round. The students loved it!”

Emma Laurie was impressed. She told the group: “The work Collyer’s is doing in this area is outstanding and I’ve been very impressed with all of the students I’ve met today.”

Chris Craig added: “It is always such a pleasure coming to Collyer’s and working with Lucy and Steve; the students are also a real credit to this amazing college and the Employability Programme. I wish I’d had something similar when I was starting out!”

Chris Craig (Commercial Director at Westmill, Associated British Foods) during the Q&A with Collyer’s students