L-R: Scott McGregor (Headteacher at West Park School), Lucy Laughton, (CSR Co-Ordinator), Daniel Pikett (Careers Leader)
Pupils at a Derby school were given a sneak-peek inside a leading tech company after winning a competition.
Year 8 students at West Park School were given a taste of the world of work at Barron McCann – on Mansfield Road – after successfully designing posters promoting sustainability in the workplace.
The competition was organised by Barron McCann’s head of marketing and communications Chloé Farmer and Lucy Laughton, who is the business support and social values co-ordinator at the family-owned business. The winning posters have been displayed across the communal areas to inform and encourage employees to think and act more sustainably.
The initiative was part of an Industry Event at the Spondon school that also included experts from West Midlands Trains, Harsco Rail, and construction firm Stepnell.
Daniel Pikett is the careers lead at West Park School. He said: “Collaboration between West Park School and Barron McCann is crucial in shaping the future of our students by providing them with invaluable exposure to the world of work.
“This collaboration is a bridge between academia and the professional realm, ensuring that students acquire academic knowledge and develop essential skills, industry awareness and a sense of purpose.
“Together, West Park School and Barron McCann are working together to provide access to an employer, raise curiosity and career management skills and elevate the next employing generation with the tools they need to contribute to the ever-evolving world of work.”
Lucy Laughton, who also volunteers for mock interviews with school pupils across the city and county, says it was an honour for Barron McCann to be a part of the event.
She said: “It is great to be working in partnership with West Park School. This collaboration provides a crucial step towards preparing pupils for the challenges of the ‘real world’ whilst giving pupils a glimpse of the opportunities that may be available to them in the future. It’s also part of our commitment to giving back to the community and inspiring the future generations.
“We were impressed with the entries we received for the poster competition, and we thoroughly enjoyed welcoming the winners to Barron McCann where they enjoyed breakfast in our canteen – a very important part of the day – followed by a HR induction, a tour of the premises, and IT related activities.”
