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