STUDENTS from schools in Sunderland will get the opportunity for a behind-the-scenes look at two very different career options this week.
Ahead of the launch of the city’s Work Discovery Week next week (11 July) pupils are taking part in two sector days, which will highlight the many career opportunities in the world of education and the contact centre industry.
The education event is being led by Sunderland College and will take place on Wednesday 6 July, with representatives from nurseries, primary schools, secondary schools, further education, universities and training providers showcasing the numerous job prospects within the sector.
“Sunderland College is delighted to once again be leading on the education sector day, which will give the young people of the city a chance to see the exciting opportunities there are, working in this field,” said Ellen Thinnesen, Principal of Sunderland College.
The following day, Thursday 7 July, pupils will get an insider view of the contact centre industry, hosted by Fusion Contact Centres, part of the BGL Group, at their offices at Sunderland Enterprise Park.
The schools will take part in two sessions during the day and will be given an overview of the BGL Group, discovering the various roles available in a contact centre, as well as hearing from a range of guest speakers.
The sessions will end with the pupils being asked to design a poster reflecting what they’ve learned during the day.
Andrea Olseski, Employee Experience Manager at Fusion Contact Centres, is leading the day and said it would give students the opportunity to see the career progression available in the industry.
“There are some great career opportunities working in the contact centre sector,” she said.
“I started my career 20 years ago on the telephones and then was given the chance to move in to human resources, studying while still working on the job.
“There are many people who have started their careers this way and have worked their way up the ladder and that’s some of what we will be highlighting to the young people on the day.”
The events are taking place in the run up to this year’s Work Discovery Week which will involve more than 1000 young people from the city in a range of activities, beginning with a launch day at the Stadium of Light on 11 July and culminating in a business challenge activity on 15 July.