Employability Day event success

Over 50 school children attended our event at Cafe Indie on Friday 14 July, to celebrate National Employability Day.

The national day, set up by ERSA (Employment Related Services Association) aims to highlight the work that many organisations do across the UK to support individuals back into work.

Our Employment Support Team hosted the event for secondary school students to give them practical advice and insights into various career paths which could be available to them once they leave education.

Staff from different departments within Ongo talked to the students about the job they do, what qualifications they needed to get where they are today and answer any questions about their career. GS Kelsey, Humberside Police and Humberside Fire and Rescue also attended the event to give an insight into what it’s like to work for them.

Kerry Copson, Community Development Manager said: “I’m really pleased with how our first ever Employability Day event went. We had a really good turnout and it was great to see the children chatting to staff from the different organisations to find out about their careers. It’s something we definitely want to do again next year.”

Gabi Barnard, Learning Co-ordinator Assistant at Frederick Gough School, said: “I found that our pupils really engaged with the session held today. It was done in a really relaxed atmosphere which helped some of our more withdrawn pupils to come out of their shells. The way the session was set out meant the pupils could talk to different professionals with ease and without pressure. The feedback we got at the end was really positive and the kids have asked if they can go back next year. All the staff involved were friendly and informative putting the pupils at ease.”

Dave Flowitt, Principal at Coritani Academy, said: “I thought today was a brilliant event and our students really got a lot out of it.  Some of them now have goals and aspirations in mind!

“Thank you to everyone at Ongo and the other partners that were there.”