Interviews! Assessment days! Client meetings! Exhibitions! Meetings with bank managers! Investor pitches! Sales pitches!

What do all the above have in common?

They could all be the way a young person gets their foot on the first rung of their career ladder. And all are SCARY and UNKNOWN to our students. But we know that having prior experience of interviews, or any 1:1 meeting scenario, can have a profound impact on how successful young people are.

Can you help?

This event is for students looking to launch a career in Architecture. We are offering a ‘safe’ environment to practice their interview technique, and learn from their mistakes. But of course, we cannot do this without the help of Architecture professionals like you to provide an element of realism. With your help, we can create a steady stream of work-ready, eager, confident, creative and ambitious new young employees.

So, what are we asking of you on the day?

We would like you to hold 1:1 meetings with individual students for 10 minutes each and then provide feedback on their performance. Meetings take place in a classroom environment and are fully supported by college and Working Knowledge staff.

Q&A

Is there parking?

Parking is limited at the college. Please contact jane.nassimi@workingknowledge.org.uk in advance if you need to reserve a space.

What are my public transport options?

We will send these details in your joining instructions closer to the event.

Is there lunch?

If your session runs over a lunch period, we will provide food and drink. Please let us know your dietary requirements when you register.

What can I do if I have a break between classes?

Some business volunteers will have a break between one class session and the next. In this ‘down-time’ we will provide you with a quiet room with internet access. It may be a good opportunity to talk to College Staff and Teachers about the curriculum and your business insights - or you might need to catch up with emails/phone calls.

What preparation do I need to do before the day?

Closer to the event, we will send you some guidance so you can think about the questions you’ll want to ask the students. We are conscious of your time and will not expect this exercise to involve a lot of preparation.

What do I wear on the day?

Please come wearing what you would normally wear to work. It’s good for students to see diversity!

What if I can’t make the event?

Please let us know as soon as possible if you can no longer attend. If you know of someone else who would appreciate your space, please pass on this invite and let us know who you recommend. Contact: jane.nassimi@workingknowledge.org.uk

What is the role of Working Knowledge?

Working Knowledge is a social enterprise working to positively change the lives of young people by supporting them to thrive within ambitious businesses.

We are working with the OFSTED Outstanding further education college in Harrow to fundamentally redesign the curriculum to properly prepare young people for careers.

We are now in the final stage of our ambitious annual programme to dramatically improve the career opportunities available to 1600 students.

This is part of a national government project with Harrow FE College being one of just 50 institutions selected to pioneer the new T-level qualifications - and the only college in London.

So why is this so important?

Skills gaps. Dwindling talent pools. Brexit. The 4th industrial revolution (watch https://bit.ly/1PnLrg1)

What is expected of me after this event?

Nothing! Unless you want to. This is a stand-alone event. It does, however, form part of a full redesign of curriculum content and delivery and indeed a change in the learning culture at the college. Consequently, there will be other ways to get involved including spotting and recruiting talent for your business.

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