On Wednesday 22nd January, the Norwich Opportunity Area (NOA) Work Skills Event in Norwich saw over 500 Norwich students practising their networking skills, with support from 40 local business volunteers.
The students took part in a series of workshops learning to identify and articulate their skills; to use social media professionally and were given helpful tips on how to make a great first impression.
They then participated in a large employer networking session to practice refining their handshaking skills; gain experience of how to introduce themselves to new employers; and to gain advice from the employers about ways to make sure they can achieve their ambitions for the future.
The employers, including over 25 employers from within the Norfolk Chambers membership, were from a wide range of sectors including: accountants, lawyers, insurance, banking; ICT digital, construction, manufacturing and the care sector.
Anne Bailey, CEO of Form the Future, who helped deliver the event, said: “We were really thrilled by the employer support and delighted with outcome of the event. The event was designed to help prepare students in Norwich to feel confident in finding a work experience placement and knowing how to find and approach new contacts.”
The feedback from the employers was very positive. They fed back how much they enjoyed speaking to some really impressive young people and hearing from talented individuals in Norwich schools.
Commenting on the employer response, Nova Fairbank, Head of Policy from Norfolk Chambers of Commerce said: “Every Norfolk business is looking at how to access a skilled workforce. It is more important than ever that we involve more of the local business community in supporting enterprise engagement. Taking part in events such as the Norwich Opportunity Area’s Work Skills events can give employers access to their potential future workforce.”
Norwich Opportunity Area are keen to capitalise further on this event, if your business would be interested in hosting any of these now very well prepared students for a placement or work visit, please drop a line to: [email protected]
