As part of our commitment to supporting young people in disadvantaged communities, Serco’s Restart Scheme delivered two work experience sessions for pupils from James Brindley School at its West Bromwich and Birmingham offices.
Delivered in partnership with Ductu, the sessions were designed to give pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) greater insight into the world of work and the range of career opportunities available to them.
The programme began with an introduction to the Restart Scheme, helping pupils understand its purpose, the people it supports and the impact it has within local communities. They were then introduced to several career pathways within the organisation, including Social Value, Self Employment, Employer Engagement, Job Coaching and Apprenticeships.
For many of the young people involved, the sessions provided their first exposure to roles they had not previously considered, helping to broaden their understanding of potential future careers.
Pupils also took part in guided tours of the offices, giving them the opportunity to experience a professional workplace environment first hand. For some, it was their first time visiting an office, helping them build confidence and familiarity with workplace settings.
The sessions concluded with a skills matching exercise, where pupils matched key skills and attributes to a variety of occupations, including Police Officer, Sales Assistant, Teacher, Chef and Gardener. The activity encouraged discussion around the importance of workplace skills and how they apply across different careers.
Wayne McFarquhar, Self-Employment Coach for the Restart Scheme said:
“I greatly valued the opportunity to hear the perspectives and opinions shared by the young people during today’s session. It was encouraging to observe their high level of engagement, as well as their readiness to contribute thoughtful responses supported by relevant examples. It was particularly rewarding to provide them with an opportunity to enhance their understanding of employment pathways and encourage them to reflect on their future aspirations.”
Suki Gill, Social Value Lead for the Restart Scheme, said:
“I wanted to widen our reach by supporting local schools and pupils, as it is important that we provide equal opportunities for all and support groups who can sometimes face barriers to accessing meaningful work experience. By working with local schools, we can help young people gain valuable insights into the workplace and inspire confidence in their future career aspirations.”
Ailee John, Business Admin Apprentice at Serco added:
“I supported the SEND sessions because it was a fantastic and enjoyable opportunity to help young people explore their future career aspirations. It gave them a small taste of an office environment while showing them what they can achieve in the future. The session was engaging, informative and full of opportunities for learning and development.”
Through initiatives such as these, the Restart Scheme continues to create meaningful opportunities for young people, helping them build confidence, develop workplace awareness and explore future career pathways.
