Year 12 students enjoy work shadowing opportunity

Year 12 students had an opportunity to spend two days work shadowing at a wide range of businesses and organisations at the end of the summer term in July. The students have since reported back on their experiences, which they found invaluable in assisting their decision making process for the future.

The various roles that the students experienced included that of a pharmacist, a conservationist, a steward at the National Trust, Head Office positions at Marks and Spencer, and a number of other equally interesting jobs.

Student Matthew Leveridge, who shadowed a conservationist at College Lake, Tring, said “I want to work in conservation so being able to shadow the head warden of a British nature reserve was very eye opening. I would definitely recommend shadowing a warden, as you can also gain further understanding of ecosystems and get a chance to see off-route wildlife up close.”

Student Megan Colbeck had an opportunity to work shadow at Marks and Spencer Head Office with the team who assess and improve the sustainability and the environmental aspect of the business. Megan said “I found it to be really useful, and it will aid me in the future when it comes to looking for a career and choosing the university course I would like to do.”

Other students spent a very productive and useful two days, including:

Olive Coles - who work shadowed at the Institute of Ideas, a self proclaimed ‘think tank’, which pride themselves on the preservation of critical thought within modern society.

Jacob Holloway - who visited the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery (NHNN) In London, and shadowed various therapists and doctors on ward rounds, and made assessments of patients with a variety of neurological illnesses.

Sam Carrington - who spent two days at the prestigious "The Grove" Hotel in Watford, working in the production kitchens under the supervision of the executive chef.

Marie McNaughton - who work shadowed a senior brand manager at Weetabix on a range of daily tasks and meetings within the marketing team.

Evie Rowe - who carried out work shadowing at Hughenden Manor, a National Trust property, shadowing the Senior House Steward. Evie learnt about the conservation and restoration of art, sculptures and textiles.

Students reported how useful the work shadowing opportunity was in considering their future choices, and were grateful to our CEIAG Coordinator, Mrs Payne, and Mrs Ritchie, CEIAG Assistant, for organising the event.