Case Study: Luton Council and Ashcroft High School Virtual Work Experience
Luton Council in Partnership with Careers Hub Luton, Develop EBP and Speakers for Schools offered a pilot 2 day Virtual Work Experience Activity for 240 Year 11 students at Ashcroft High School.
Students who were unable to take part in their planned work experience in employers’ locations due to COVID-19 restrictions were able to get an insight into Luton council as a workplace and meet some of the employees in a variety of roles.
Students took part in classroom sessions that highlighted an understanding of Luton Council, the types of jobs and careers available, the role of local government.
Teachers supported students, in classrooms named after wards in Luton, though a variety of video tasks, and live interactive sessions facilitated by the school’s teaching staff which included:
A video welcome from Robin Porter, Chief Executive, Luton Council
A video overview of the council, the variety of roles and its responsibilities from Nicola Monk, Corporate Director
A live interactive session covering the journey of apprentices within the council
A live interactive session from a member of the council’s HR Recruitment Team with a Q and A about skills, applying for jobs and top tips for interviews
A live overview from a council employee in Children’s Services
A work place task looking at democracy and the democratic process
A work place task thinking about what different people need from the town centre
Students at Ashcroft listening to Nicola Monk giving an overview of the variety roles and responsibilities at the Council
“Work life is changing and we just need to prepare for the reality”
“I can’t imagine how I could do a job at home as my office work place. It looks hard. Requires a lot of discipline and self-control.”
“I need to develop my skills and qualities to ensure I stand out. Increase my employability options.”
“This initiative reflects the council’s ambition to find and recruit the best local talent available as we work towards our Luton 2040 Vision of a town where no-one has to live in poverty.”
“We need the best people available to help us in that ambition, and schemes such as the Virtual Work Experience are essential in making young people aware of the tremendous opportunities that exist within Luton Council.
“It is particularly inspiring that this initiative has gone ahead in spite of the severe restrictions that are in place because of Covid-19, demonstrating that we are determined to build on the council’s success, however difficult he situation may be.
“I hope everyone involved in the session found it an inspiring experience.”
