Local businesses inspire students during industry week

The online talks were part of the Business, Warehousing and Logistics industry week, an event designed to allow students to explore their chosen industries and develop the skills they need to help them progress from further education into employment or Higher Education.

Over the course of the week, students heard from speakers from a range of professional backgrounds. This included Chris Gore, manager of Metro Bank in Sheffield; Johnny Pawlik, co-founder of Sheffield-based marketing agency, Mantra Media; Ellan Campbell-Swann, founder of Sixty-7 PR in Barnsley; Kate Dean of Enable Disability and Inclusion Consultants, and many more.

Whilst the events took place virtually, students were encouraged to engage and ask questions as they would during a face-to-face event. As a result, many were left feeling inspired to think about their own career paths.

Phil Hornby, Managing Director of Product Management Consultancy Firm Scale Business Performance, delivered a workshop on his career path to date, from humble beginnings in Hull to starting his own business. Phil said:

“There is no such thing as a ‘career for life’ anymore. It’s really important that we advise and inspire young people, so they can develop the right attitude they need to respond to change.

“The students I spoke to will inherit our country, and we have to try and give them as much support and inspiration as possible to help them do that.”

The sessions were organised by Jess Widdowson, Enterprise Team Leader at Barnsley College. Jess also said:

“We were thrilled to welcome so many of our wonderful Talent United partners to speak as part of our Industry Week for the Business, Warehousing and Logistics department.

“Throughout the week, students have had an opportunity to not only gain industry knowledge and insight, but also to look at their own skills and how they could use these effectively moving forward.

“One of our main goals as a College is to ensure that students are well-rounded and career-ready, particularly when they are leaving us to begin work or progress onto higher education. Events like this help us to achieve that goal.”

Barnsley College is working with businesses to lead the economic recovery and meet employers’ needs, both now and for future roles, by providing students and adults with the skills to succeed.