Last week, we partnered with Taunton Chamber of Commerce to host an event aimed at showing businesses how students can contribute to their organisation’s growth and development. This was truly one of the Chamber’s proudest moments, as we saw all three of our T-level students (Roxy, Filip and Pietersen), who joined us last year take to the stage to present to a group of professionals.

They shared their personal experiences, highlighting how their placements have impacted them and why they believe other businesses could greatly benefit from welcoming students into their organisations.

They outlined several key benefits of involving students in the workplace:

– Fresh Perspectives: Young minds bring new ideas from academic studies, paired with their own unique skills and passions.

– Increased Efficiency: Students can take on day-to-day tasks, freeing up existing staff to focus on more complex responsibilities.

– Operational Support: From administrative duties to assisting with projects through research and management, students can lighten the load.

– Mentoring Opportunities: Existing staff gain valuable experience in mentoring and managing, fostering leadership development.

– Positive Work Environment: New personalities bring energy and diversity to the workplace.

– Community Impact: Supporting students can enhance your business’s reputation within the community.

The Bridgwater and Taunton Chamber joint T-Level event was an exciting new experience for me. It not only gave me the opportunity to meet and engage with a range of business owners but also allowed me to speak in front of a large crowd for the first time. We discussed the positive impact T-Level students can have on businesses and shared our personal experiences of how it has benefited us as students. This experience has greatly helped me build confidence in public speaking and provided valuable insights into planning and managing events.

Roxy-Mai Cable – T-Level Workplace Trainee

The event also featured Bridgwater & Taunton College, which delivered an eye-opening presentation on the local workforce challenges. They highlighted the local workforce is projected to shrink by 7% by 2040. By investing in younger generations now, businesses can build a strong workforce pipeline for the future.

Taylor Woodrow shared their perspective on how introducing students into their organisation has positively impacted their business and the local community. Meanwhile, Porter Dodson provided valuable insights into employment law, offering guidance on how to tackle contracts and onboard students or apprentices correctly.

Giving students placements with us here at the Chamber is an integral part of our work to Connect, Promote & Support the local business community and it was great to see Roxy, Filip and Pietersen show just how workplace placements can benefit any business, no matter what size they may be.

Roger Smith – General Manager

Special thank you to Anthony Joseph from Visit Bridgwater for taking the photos at the event!