Apex Action Explores Job Skills With Cheshire School Students

Apex’s Commercial Manager, Debbie Snelson was delighted to team up with Helen Pullan & Gemma Chantler of Safe Opportunities this month, to deliver a 1 hour “Exploring Work” session, to students of Greenbank School in Cheshire.

The aim of the session was to explore different job roles and look at the skills needed to do them.  Using the Apex team as an example, the group talked about the role of a receptionist, photocopier service engineer, van driver, marketing manager, customer service assistant & salesperson.

The students learned about the importance of soft skills such as communication & teamwork, as well as industry specific skills like those required by the photocopier service engineers.  They also thought of questions a customer might ask, such as “How fast is the photocopier? and “Can it staple?”  This led them to identifying good product knowledge as a key skill for a salesperson.

The students also enjoyed feeling the various textures of some paper & card samples that could be used for photocopying on.  They examined some marketing flyers and saw how those printed on glossy paper looked different to those printed on thick matt card.

However, a practical card-making activity was the highlight of the session.  Debbie gave out lots of bright and colourful images of animals, superheroes & flowers that had been printed on a photocopier.  Together with felt tips, crafting stamps & Washi tape the students set about crafting.  Their attention to detail was superb.  They meticulously cut out shapes, as well as doing some precision stamping.

Every student made a beautiful card for a friend or family member.  And, as it was February, several of the cards made their way into an envelope ready to give someone a lovely surprise on Valentine’s Day!

Helen Pullan, Director of Safe Opportunities commented;

“The Safe Opportunities team really appreciate Debbie and the Apex bear supporting our Exploring Work sessions.  As always Debbie provided a helpful and professional session for the students to learn about some of the softer skills used in the workplace; especially skills used in selling and marketing.

She connected well with the students and helped them to understand the types of materials used within the photocopying industry, as well as the chance to have a go at using them while making cards for the students families and friends.”

Safe Opportunities work with mainstream & SEN schools across Cheshire.  Their Exploring Work programme is designed to help pupils make their transition from school to the workplace as easy as possible & fully equipped with the skills they need.  They work with employers to co-ordinate meaningful work experience and placements, as well as deliver a range of work related learning.  For more information visit www.safeopportunities.co.uk.

“Apex Action” is Apex’s volunteering & funding initiative for school & community projects.  They are always up for a challenge & doing something a bit different!  If you’d like to see whether they can support your project contact Debbie on debbie.snelson@apexconnected.com or call 01948 302066 to discuss further.