We were delighted to host a morning of meaningful work experience as part of the Careers Orbit programme, delivered in partnership with the Stoke and Staffordshire Careers Hub. We welcomed seven Year 9 students from St John Fisher Catholic College for an engaging introduction to the workplace.

By inviting local students into Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, we were proud to help bridge the gap between education and employment, giving them a valuable insight into the world of work.

During the session, students were given a tour of the Chambers, where they explored the facilities available to businesses across Staffordshire. They also had the opportunity to see a working office environment first-hand, helping to bring the concept of workplace settings to life.

We then moved into one of our meeting rooms, where students worked on laptops and were introduced to a real-life task. Using data from our recently completed UKSPF project for East Staffordshire, they were asked to analyse key figures and create a one-page PowerPoint presentation demonstrating the project’s impact and the importance of data in showcasing results.

Throughout the session, students engaged in two-way discussions with the Skills Hub team (Suzanne and Nicole) and completed a practical task linked directly to our work. This activity helped develop key skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.

At the end of the session, each group presented their one-page PowerPoint, explaining the data they selected and the reasoning behind their design choices. It was fantastic to see the students asking thoughtful questions, building confidence, and beginning to explore potential future career pathways.

We are proud to support the Government’s ambition of providing every young person with high-quality workplace experiences, and to play a role in preparing the future workforce.

Suzanne Quinn – “It was a really positive session that showed just how worthwhile it is to support and encourage young people at this stage.”

A big thank you to the Careers Hub and Careers Orbit for enabling these valuable opportunities. We look forward to continuing to support young people in our community.

If you are a business in Staffordshire and could offer a half-day work experience with clear learning objectives, please contact the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Careers Hub at alice.archer@staffordshire.gov.uk for more information.

The process is simple, businesses are asked to complete a short form outlining what they can offer and the learning objectives they can provide. With so many fantastic businesses across Staffordshire, this initiative helps increase awareness of a wide range of workplaces, from offices to warehouses.

If your business would like to take part but may not have the space to host students, the Skills Hub team can work with you to explore alternative ways to support your involvement.