We were delighted to welcome a group of Year 9 students from Painsley Catholic College to Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce for a morning of inspiring and hands-on work experience as part of the Careers Orbit programme, delivered in partnership with the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Careers Hub.

Providing young people with opportunities to experience the workplace first-hand is incredibly important, and it was a pleasure to open our doors and share an insight into the world of business. From the moment the students arrived, they embraced the opportunity to learn new skills, explore different career pathways, and gain a better understanding of life in a professional environment.

The morning began with a tour of the Chambers, where students had the chance to see the facilities available to businesses across Staffordshire and experience a working office environment.

Students then took part in an interactive business challenge led by the Skills Hub team. Working together in groups, they analysed project data  and created a PowerPoint presentation to showcase key outcomes and achievements. The activity encouraged the students to think critically, work collaboratively, and present information in a clear and engaging way, all skills that are highly valued in the workplace.

As the morning progressed, it was wonderful to see the students grow in confidence. They asked thoughtful questions, supported one another, and fully immersed themselves in the tasks. By the end of the session, each group presented their findings.

Mr Birch from Painsley Catholic College “Thank you so much for hosting us for a visit on Friday. The group were a little shy to begin with, but they really appreciated your manner and patience with them, helping them to feel more confident and engage with the tasks provided. They all seemed to com

e out of their shell as the day went on and it was a fantastic opportunity for them to learn about the Chambers of Commerce and working in business more generally. We also really appreciate you giving them the chance to experience what a workplace is like, including how to behave in a workplace and practise speaking to adults outside of a school setting.”

Student feedback  “I enjoyed doing new things to do with business and learning about jobs at Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce and using our skills.”

Suzanne Quinn “ These work experience mornings are a fantastic way to open young people’s eyes to the world of work. They allow students to step into a real business environment, see how different teams work together, and gain practical experience”

If your business would be interested in offering a half-day work experience opportunity with clear learning objectives, please contact the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Careers Hub at alice.archer@staffordshire.gov.uk.