Pupils in a buzz about call centre careers

Pupils at Glyn Derw High School in Cardiff gained an insight into the world of work after a Careers Wales Industry Day saw members of the Welsh Contact Centre Forum visit Year Ten pupils.

Staff from call centres such as Conduit, Vista Support and The AA spent an intensive day with over 100 pupils giving them useful tips on how to make the transition from the classroom to the workplace. The event was one of a series teaching tangible, transferable skills to young people nearing school-leaving age.

The 14- and 15-year-olds learnt about the value that employers place on key skills such as problem solving, initiative, working with other people, communication and interview preparation.

Under the direction of senior recruitment figures from the industry, pupils were split into groups and worked through tasks which taught them the factors that make a good employee and employer. The groups then shared their findings through a presentation at the end of the day.

Sandra Busby, managing director of the Welsh Contact Centre Forum said, “It can be a big culture shock to some young people to realise that upon leaving full-time education the burden of responsibility moves onto the individual. These pupils are the next generation of employees and it gives them a great start to be able to find out how they can get ahead in the competitive jobs market.”

Paul Fitzpatrick, Senior Recruitment Consultant of outsourcing call centre Conduit commented, “As an employer it was enlightening to meet and understand the needs of the next generation of employees. I worked with a group of seven pupils and it was great to see them pull together as a team to fulfil their tasks and meet their goals. If the skills on display can be translated to the workplace, the pupils could make a huge impression with our business in the not-too-distant future.”

Mike Williams, Education Business Adviser with Careers Wales Cardiff and Vale said: “Business and industry awareness days are a vital part of the careers curriculum. Events like these give young people an insight into the world of work and give employers the opportunity to ensure the workforce of the future is aware of the skills and qualities they might need when they leave school or college.”

Picture caption: Pupils from Glyn Derw with members of the Welsh Contact Centre industry.