Students across East Sussex have been gaining insights into the world of work as East Sussex District Council’s Open Doors scheme returns. Face-to-face visits were unable to take place last year due to the pandemic.
For six weeks during November and December, over 300 students from 13 schools took up the opportunity to visit twelve businesses across the county, allowing them to experience the workplace and learn more about potential career paths.
Students from years seven to 13 have visited a diverse range of businesses in Rye, Hailsham, Lewes, Newhaven, St. Leonards, and Uckfield, experiencing various workplaces including construction sites, a wildlife charity, a nature reserve, an independent cinema, a dance theatre company and an engineering firm.
In Rye, the Mermaid Inn welcomed 24 visiting students from Bexhill College and Frewen College as part of the Open Doors scheme, one of whom said; “I learned that there are lots of opportunities to move up in the job ladder. Starting from the bottom is a start because you can always work upwards. For example, working as a kitchen assistant to then work towards a trainee chef to becoming a small chef, to then go on to be a world-famous chef. There are always possibilities and opportunities.”
Martin Blincow, co-owner of the Mermaid said: “The Mermaid Inn participates in the Open Doors programme as we seek to be a positive advocate for the hospitality industry and the various career opportunities it offers all over the world. The Mermaid shows the available career paths in the kitchen, front of house, reception, bar, housekeeping, and hospitality management.”
Councillor Rupert Simmons, the county council’s lead member for economy said: “We are keen to hear from more businesses that may like to be involved and I would urge any organisation that would like to inspire and encourage our young people to get in touch.”
Businesses interested in opening their doors to groups of students in 2022 should contact opendoors@eastsussex.gov.uk.
Image Credits: ESCC .