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Employer Work Experience Launch Video

Hello, forward-thinking employers!

We are thrilled to invite you to be part of something truly impactful – the launch of our Work Experience program. Today, we want to share with you the extraordinary opportunity to shape the future by supporting and nurturing the incredible potential of young talent. As leaders in our community, you understand the importance of investing in the next generation. The Work Experience program is not just about providing internships; it’s about fostering an environment where young minds can thrive, learn, and contribute in meaningful ways.

By opening your doors to these budding talents, you play a crucial role in molding the workforce of tomorrow. The impact you can have on a young person’s life is immeasurable – you have the power to inspire, guide, and set them on a path to success.

Many successful professionals can trace their journey back to a meaningful work experience that shaped their aspirations and skills. Now, it’s your turn to be a catalyst for someone’s success story. Your support can be the difference between a young person merely dreaming and realizing their full potential.

The Work Experience program is more than a collaboration; it’s a partnership in building a brighter future. By providing opportunities for these young talents, you’re contributing not just to their growth but to the growth of our entire community. So, are you ready to make a difference? Join us in this exciting journey as we create pathways for young talents to thrive and contribute to a world that values innovation, diversity, and collaboration.

Welcome to the Work Experience program – where the future starts today. Let’s build success together!

Rob Dawson – pledges to Inspire Future Leaders

Our aim at Changing Education is to #inspirefutureleaders; by giving students a real insight into the various industries and paths they could follow and to open their eyes and imagination to the potential job opportunities which are available.

We are continuing to showcase some fantastic individuals who have given us a true insight into their profession and the journey they have taken to get to where they are today.

In today’s industry insight interview video, hosted by our very own Amos Madra, we hear from the fantastic Rob Dawson – Manchester United and Manchester City correspondent for ESPN.

ESPN is one of the largest sports journalism and sport broadcasting media groups in the world.

Rob’s role focuses specifically on covering all the latest news from Manchester United and Manchester City live from the games.

Rob seeks to provide you with some insight into the world of sports journalism and what it is like to work for such a globally renowned company. He shares some fantastic pearls of wisdom and advice for any budding journalists out there.

Rob explains that “you have to be prepared to work strange hours and long hours if you want to follow a career in sports journalism”.

To find out more about ESPN and more about Rob and his exciting career follow the link below:

Don’t forget to share your thoughts using the #inspirefutureleaders.

https://www.espn.co.uk/

Making Work Experience Simple – Education Today

‘The transition from classrooms to careers is a crucial phase that schools are tasked with preparing young individuals for. However, astonishingly, over 42% of schools do not offer work experience programmes, leaving a significant void in equipping students with the essential skills and insights required for future success. Historically, work experience programmes have come with heavy administrative burdens.

In response to these obstacles, Changing Education Group has embarked on a mission to change this statistic by offering schools an all-encompassing solution – the Work Experience Suite.’

See the Work Experience Suite for yourself

See what the Work Experience suite has to offer you in a quick demo with our team.

More about the Work Experience Suite

All the key features and functionality to help your programme succeed.

Case Study: Work Experience for Chertsey High School

We spoke with Tom Corry of Chertsey High School to see how we’ve helped them streamline their work experience programme, making work experience management efficient with minimal staffing.

Can you tell us about your role at Chertsey High School? 

I am the Careers Leader at Chertsey High School, in my time at the school I have also held the positions of Head of Department, Data Protection Officer and Governor. More recently I have become the Director of Careers across a local cluster of Primary, Secondary and SEND Provision schools.

How do you find the experience of managing Careers alongside other teaching responsibilities? 

Careers Education rapidly became a passion of mine during the COVID years, it highlighted to me the reasons behind why we have an education system in the first place, I would frequently put in extra hours to develop our careers provision further to ensure that the experience students gained with us would develop and guide them into careers they deserved. It is a tough gig to carry out while teaching so any support and guidance I could make use of I did, having a network of passionate colleagues and companies to work with is essential.

What are your main challenges as a school when it came to work experience, and how did Changing Education help you address these?

Our biggest challenge was initially the administrative time to contact placements and carry out all of the required checks on them, using Changing Education meant that we only required a small amount of dedicated time to have oversight on the project, as these checks were carried out through the team who would then update us through the app.

How have your students found the programme? Any highlights?

The vast majority of our students thoroughly enjoyed their placements, particularly the ones who took themselves out of their comfort zones and tried something completely outside of their wheelhouse. The feedback that we have received from employers was humbling, to hear how our students presented themselves and engaged in workplace settings was so lovely to hear.

Would you recommend other schools to use Changing Education? Why?

For any school who is thinking of running work experience and has limited dedicated staff to facilitate it, I would strongly recommend the Changing Education Group. The app and dashboard are professional and straightforward to use and have enabled us to put on a work experience programme for our entire Year 10 cohort with minimal staffing.

If you’re a school or college looking to make work experience simple – speak with us to see how we can help you:

👉 Book your provision review

Behind the Team – Introducing the new faces at Changing Education Group

As part of our mission to provide more students with impactful work experience, we’ve expanded our team. This week we’re thrilled to welcome our Marketing Apprentice, H!

Week One at Changing Education Group

Starting a new job can be an intimidating experience, especially when you’re an adult with disabilities. My past work experiences have left me with a sense of unease and apprehension as I felt unsupported and misunderstood. However, my first week at Changing Education has been nothing short of transformative. In this blog post, I’ll share my initial impressions and the positive experiences that have already begun to shape my apprenticeship journey in the world of marketing.

A Warm Welcome and a Supportive Environment

One of the standout features of Changing Education is the genuine passion for ensuring every employee feels valued and heard. This commitment to inclusivity and support was immediately evident from the moment I started. 

The warm welcome I received from my colleagues was a refreshing change from my past encounters. I have been nervous about starting a remote position. While setting up my own working environment works for my disabilities, there is no doubt that creating connections within the company is much better in person.

However,  It’s been just five days and I already feel like an integral part of the team and well-connected with my colleagues.

Learning the Ropes

In my first week, I’ve had the opportunity to get to know not only my fellow colleagues but also the core values and mission of Changing Education. This deeper understanding has been instrumental in helping me grasp the essence of the company and how my role fits into its bigger picture.

During our induction, we were introduced to various departments and gained insights into how they function. We received a comprehensive overview of our job roles and responsibilities, which helped set clear expectations. Additionally, we were briefed on the upcoming changes and developments within the company, ensuring that we are well-informed and prepared for what lies ahead.

Having the opportunity to start with other new starters from a different department has both allowed me to feel less overwhelmed by the process, as we start our journey together, but also given me an insight into how their integration works within a different department to my own. 

Understanding the inner workings of a company is crucial for any new employee. At Changing Education, we delved into the company’s policies and product offerings. This deep dive provided valuable context and knowledge, enabling us to align our work with the company’s overarching goals.

First Tasks

The research tasks assigned during my first week at Changing Education were instrumental in helping us gain a deeper understanding of the company’s operations and culture. These tasks provided a hands-on experience that allowed us to familiarise ourselves with the kind of information each department relies on to function effectively. 

These research tasks not only equipped us with practical skills and introduced us to the tools used within the business, but also underscored the interconnectedness of each department and how the information we gather plays a pivotal role in the overall success of Changing Education.

Building Strong Relationships

A crucial aspect of any successful apprenticeship is having a supportive and nurturing mentor. I’m thrilled to have Heather as my Line Manager. Our interactions during the first week have been incredibly positive, and I’m looking forward to collaborating with her on upcoming marketing campaigns. Her guidance and expertise will undoubtedly be invaluable as I transition from a design background to the dynamic world of marketing.

The Path Ahead

As someone coming from a design background, I recognise that I have much to learn about the marketing field. However, I am confident that the combination of the support and resources provided by Changing Education and the structured apprenticeship program will provide me with a strong foundation in the coming months. I am eager to put my newfound knowledge and skills into action to contribute to the growth and success of Changing Education.

In conclusion, my first week at Changing Education has been a journey filled with positivity and enthusiasm. The company’s commitment to inclusivity, the warm welcome from my colleagues, and the opportunities for learning and growth have set the stage for an exciting apprenticeship in marketing. I can’t wait to see what the future holds and how I can contribute to the company’s mission of changing education for the better.

Welcome to the team H!
Look out for H’s work throughout the year across our social media, and you can connect with her on LinkedIn here. 

Join us at Changing Education Group

We’re excited to be expanding our team, and have a number of opportunities available for those who are looking to support young people with their futures. 

If you’re looking for your next step, we’d love to hear from you. 

Download your Recruitment Pack below to discover more about the role, and what you can expect when joining our team. 

Office Manager

UX/UI Designer

Corporate Partnerships Manager

Sales Development Representative

Administration Apprentice

Careers Advisor (Buckinghamshire)

Careers Advisor (Kent)

To apply:

Please send your CV, a cover letter and a short 2-minute video to recruitment@changingeducation.co.uk explaining why you would like to apply for the role, and what makes you the ideal candidate.

Whilst our preference is to receive your responses via video, we appreciate not everyone is comfortable videoing themselves or don’t have access to certain software/devices so we will accept your responses in written format. (Max 250 words)

Deadline:

5pm on 13th August 2023

For any questions on these roles please message us directly at recruitment@changingeducation.co.uk

Introducing the Ultimate Partnership in Student Destinations: Morrisby and Changing Education Group Revolutionise Student Careers

Morrisby, the leading provider of careers education, advice and guidance, and Changing Education Group, an organisation committed to empowering students through effective work placement, are thrilled to announce a partnership that will reshape the way schools and colleges approach career development and manage work experience.

With a combined experience of over 65 years, Morrisby and Changing Education Group have a joint social mission to create the best outcomes for young people when it comes to career selection. Now they have joined forces to offer a comprehensive, all-in-one solution for careers and work experience management, empowering educational institutions to guide students seamlessly from career discovery to successful employment.

Starting from September 2023, schools and colleges across the UK and beyond will be able to access the joint platform, complete with expert tools and resources. This partnership aims to revolutionise the student journey, and provide education staff with a simple and efficient system for work placement management, reducing administrative burdens for schools.

By harnessing the power of cutting-edge technology and invaluable industry knowledge, students can make informed decisions about their future prospects and maximise their potential. Through this integration, we aim to elevate the quality of careers education and workplace skills, paving the way for brighter futures. 

Educators today face mounting pressures to provide students with essential skills, experiences, and guidance beyond the curriculum. With an excess of systems, this can become a huge administrative challenge. Recognising this challenge, we are dedicated to helping schools in the most cost-effective and resource-efficient manner possible. With the new streamlined system designed with educators’ needs in mind, everything can be managed in one place. 

This partnership empowers institutions to track student progress seamlessly in real time, providing invaluable visibility and reporting. The inclusion of skills builders, career insights, and psychometric testing ensures students are equipped to discover and pursue destinations that align with their interests and abilities. Our integrated platform provides a single source of truth, eliminating the need for manual data gathering and analysis. Schools and Colleges will have instant access to valuable insights, empowering them to make data-driven decisions and provide targeted support to students. All student, parent and employer engagement is taken care of. With a helpful knowledge base, frequent training webinars, and a dedicated account manager, all guidance and assistance is provided.

Matthew Hodgkinson, Co-founder of Changing Education, expressed his excitement, stating,
“This partnership marks a significant milestone in our commitment to inspiring future leaders. By structuring work experience programs with a robust delivery model, we can provide purposeful and safe opportunities that meet professional standards and exceed GATSBY benchmarks.”

Echoing this sentiment, Chris Glennie, CEO at Morrisby stated,
“We are thrilled to unite our expertise with Changing Education Group’s innovative approach. Our vision is that everyone should have the opportunity to realise a fulfilling career. Together, we will transform the landscape of careers education, empowering students to embark on fulfilling career journeys that align with their unique talents, personalities, and ambitions.”

Book a demo with the Morrisby and Changing Education Group teams to discover how our integrated solution will empower your students, simplify your workload, and position your institution as a leader in careers education.

Changing Education Group
Roman Dibden, Chief Commercial Officer
Email: roman.dibden@changingeducation.co.uk

Morrisby
Emma Mills, Marketing Manager
Email: emma.mills@morrisby.com

Join us on this journey to redefine student futures and empower the next generation to thrive in their chosen careers. 

Schools and Students Striving for Sustainability

Schools across the UK are doing wonderful things to contribute to ongoing sustainability, conservation and a greener planet. From eco-councils, to school farms and championing careers in Green Renewable Energy. 

Sustainability activities within schools

The Writhlington School Orchid Project has been running for an incredible 30 years. This initiative see’s students cultivate orchids, participate in expeditions to biodiverse habitats, and engage in scientific research. Students propagate orchids from seed, manage a greenhouse divided into climate zones, and showcase their plants at various shows. The project also funds student expeditions to countries like Rwanda, and Laos. 

The multi-award winning project offers remarkable research opportunities, with students collaborating with partner scientists all over the globe. This project showcases how schools can contribute to conservation and provide students with hands-on learning.

‘School students can effectively teach and inspire adults working to make a difference in education, conservation, or just growing better plants.’ – Simon Pugh-Jones MBE

All Hallows Catholic College has their very own Eco-Council, where students meet on a regular basis to discuss issues ranging from single use plastics and litter, to how they can make sustainability improvements to the surrounding area of Macclesfield with the help of local partnering schools. 

For those lucky enough to have a school farm, students are learning the value of the ‘field to fork’ process around where food comes from. Reddish Vale High School is one of these lucky schools, who are making the most of the benefits including running a Farm Club. ‘Young people need to be fully aware of the world around them and have the understanding of the ‘field to fork’ process with food. Farms develop links to lots of different subjects and can greatly enhance learning.’

The future of Green Energy Careers

Students considering their future careers can be inspired by the activities they partake in at school, and when thinking about their next steps ‘the opportunities will be diverse and many people will be able to switch between roles and across sectors adding to their skills as they move.’ Check out Morrisby’s guide for those looking to pursue a career in sustainability: Careers in Sustainability & the Green Economy

Sector Spotlight: Green Energy Careers with EY-Parthenon

Our Careers Adviser Cynthia spoke with Charlie Simpson at EY-Parthenon, who highlighted the necessity of recruiting the next generation into careers which will help us achieve Net Zero targets. You can watch Charlie Simpson discuss what’s involved in these types of careers here: 

We’d love to hear what activities your school has in place to encourage enthusiasm for sustainability! Let’s help schools continue to create valuable projects and activities to support a brighter future. 

Supporting student pathways

Contact us today to learn more about work experience with Changing Education and how to help your students thrive.

Call: 08000289088 Email: info@changingeducation.co.uk

Supporting At-Risk Students: Alternative Provision with Project 25

We know that children and young people who are excluded from school are more likely to have behavioural difficulties, difficulties with peers and attention difficulties. The challenges faced through full and overwhelmed alternative provision providers means there are risks of students not receiving the support they deserve. 

‘By avoiding exclusion and finding other solutions to poor behaviour, schools can help children’s mental health in the future as well as their education.’
– Professor Tasmin Ford

Are you seeking effective alternative provision for students at risk of exclusion? 

Project 25 is a student-focused, and destination-centric work-based learning and employability program. It has proven to be a lifeline for students facing challenges in mainstream education. 

How do we do this?

Our program specifically caters to students with special educational needs (SEN), social, emotional, and mental health difficulties (SEMH), and those considered hardest-to-reach learners. We focus on re-engaging these students by matching them up to an employer between 1-2 days per week with a proven hybrid learning approach. Here’s what’s involved:

• Conduct a series of initial assessments with the student
• Source a placement in line with student interests
• Give students the opportunity to complete a qualification
• Track student progress by completing regular appraisals
• Complete all the relevant checks and risk assessments
• Continue to monitor attendance and provide you with detailed reports

Why enrol your students in Project 25?

Proven Success: Our success rate sets us apart. Project 25 has consistently delivered exceptional outcomes for students, ensuring they stay in education and flourish in their chosen paths.

Cost-Effective Solution: Unlike traditional external provisions that can be expensive, Project 25 offers an affordable alternative. With access starting from just £7 per day, schools can provide the necessary support without straining their budgets.

Comprehensive Support: We provide a holistic approach to alternative provision, consisting of an extended work placement and employability skills. Our customer success managers work closely with schools to match students with suitable employers and oversee their placements. We handle all risk assessments, safeguarding and employer contact to ensure a seamless experience for all involved. Schools can also produce rich reports and clearly evidence the Gatsby Benchmarks via our Connect Software platform.

Real-World Learning: Project 25 offers invaluable work-based placements, allowing students to gain practical skills and experiences. This hands-on approach empowers them to develop vital employment skills and character development, such as motivation, initiative, timekeeping, communication, and interpersonal skills.

We are proud to share that 100% of students enrolled in Project 25 from mainstream provision have successfully avoided permanent exclusion, completed their core GCSEs, and progressed to positive destinations. The program’s impact is remarkable, providing a supportive alternative provision where students can thrive.

What do employers think about Project 25 students? 

‘It’s been very rewarding to see what was classed as a pupil in difficulty through to an employee and an integral part of the company.’

‘A well-mannered young man. He is a punctual and enthusiastic individual who follows instructions well. He works well individually and as part of a team and is happy to help both customers and his co-workers when asked. He’s become a real asset to the team.’ 

‘A fantastic member of the team. He works well with others and is always on hand to help.’

Watch Joe’s experience of his own Project 25 placement, which he recommends highly to fellow students.

With the rising challenges faced by students at risk of exclusion, it’s crucial to provide them with positive experiences that unlock their potential and help build confidence. As the leading work experience provider in the UK, we are dedicated to helping schools make a difference in the lives of their students. By choosing Project 25, you can provide a supportive and engaging environment that empowers at-risk students to reach their full potential.

Ready to transform the lives of your students? 

Contact us today to learn more about how Project 25 can complement your existing support and help your students thrive. 

Call: 08000289088 Email: info@changingeducation.co.uk

Mental Health Awareness Week and Student Mental Health

As a team who cares deeply about the lives of young people, this week we discussed #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek. We explored how we as a company contribute to improving student mental health through the positive effects of work experience and career guidance, and shared our personal experiences with mental health.

Struggling in traditional settings

Hollie knows that self esteem issues and lack of motivation can contribute to disengagement in classroom based learning. She highlights the profound impact work experience had on her journey, confirming her aspirations of working in education and inspiring other young people.

“Our Project 25 program helps struggling students build confidence, motivation, and self-esteem. It sets them back on the right path.”

Sam, drawing from his own mental health journey, urges us to revisit and enhance existing support mechanisms for struggling students. He encourages educators to rethink existing provisions, and expresses his pride in working on Project 25, which directly supports students facing similar challenges.

“I have seen first hand the positive impact it has on students that are really struggling to thrive in the academic setting just like I did.”

Scott recognises that the traditional academic setting may not suit all students. He emphasises the importance of providing quality work placements to engage students and promote a positive outlook on their futures.

“A more vocational approach might just be what these students need to feel engaged and give them a positive outlook on their opportunities moving forwards. All driving towards an improvement in mental health.”

Neurodivergent students and support

Careers advisor Cynthia offered insights on suitable careers for those with ADHD, such as teaching, computer technicians, chef, and sales/customer service roles, and the associated skills.

“ADHD is a form of neurodivergence that can feature inattentiveness, impulsivity and hyperactivity. Those of us with the condition who do not choose the correct type of career can definitely be affected by mental health concerns: feeling we are not achieving well in our work and study. However, if harnessed correctly, these behaviours can make people with ADHD ideal for some jobs.”

Luke challenges us to support students in raising aspirations and providing the necessary support systems. He encourages us to create environments where student mental health can flourish.

“As we adapt to the ‘new normal’ post-pandemic, and having seen first hand the effect this has had on young people’s mental health, I wanted to challenge us all, as we raise awareness for #mentalhealthawarnessweek, to consider how we can support young people to raise aspirations, improve their mental health and provide the ecosystems necessary for them thrive.”

Encouraging positive mindsets

Martin speaks with students in schools everyday, and their positive attitudes make such a difference to his own mindset.

“Talking with students today about #mentalhealthawareness, and how they struggled through Covid, but how they have come back stronger, with positive self belief. It is such a privilege to listen to these stories.”

Heather shares her commitment to helping young people challenge negative self-perceptions and find their paths with confidence. She stresses the importance of providing guidance early on to prevent the stress of uncertain futures.

“It means a lot to me that I can have an impact in helping young people challenge their own negative imagined ideas of themselves.”

Fostering a community

Matthew Hodgkinson, co-founder of our organisation, shares his personal outlook since the pandemic.

“I sit here years later in awe of The Changing Education Group. It’s a community of people who genuinely care about the lives of future generations.”

As we observe Mental Health Awareness Week, the stories we shared as a team remind us of the importance of promoting and actively engaging in helping students with their mental wellbeing. Let’s continue to empower students and the thousands of school staff across the UK who nurture young people’s aspirations.

Together, we can make a positive difference in the lives of young people, and create an environment where student mental health is prioritised.

We provide a full range of all-in-one Work Experience and Careers Advice packages for schools and colleges across the UK. With 12+ years of experience in Education and Technology, we give you the right tools and guidance to run the most effective work experience programmes for your students. If you’re interested in a discussion or a demo on any of these services, call or email our team:

Call: 08000289088 Email: info@changingeducation.co.uk