Students at Guiseley School recently swapped their school uniforms for professional attire, heading into the workforce for a hands-on 'Take Your Child to Work Day'. The initiative gave Year 9 students an invaluable taste of different industries, offering a unique glimpse into the daily operations of global companies, local businesses, and specialised sectors. Here is how some of our students spent their inspiring day on the job:
Samuel P.
Samuel spent his day immersed in the world of automotive and classic preservation at MillHolme Restorations. He got a firsthand look at the craftsmanship and specialised skills required to bring classic vehicles back to life.
Sophia B.
Sophia rolled up her sleeves and dove into the fast-paced world of logistics and retail at the FalconSports warehouse. She helped the team manage inventory and operations, keeping the supply chain moving smoothly.
Issac D.
Issac entered the healthcare sector with a productive visit to The Yorkshire Clinic. In addition to learning about medical careers, he got to experience the technology firsthand by receiving a specialized scan to check the health of his skin.
Eden A.
Eden joined her auntie at the corporate offices of Lloyds Banking Group for a day of financial sector insights. The absolute highlight of her experience was stepping into the media studio to record a professional presentation.
Dan H.
Dan braved the elements for a dynamic day out with Doncaster Dome. His work experience took him out into the field, where he participated in some very wet, hands-on structural surveys of residential houses.
Jack D.
Jack demonstrated incredible creativity and perseverance during his placement. He quickly learned how to navigate complex digital software to build his own functional e-learning module, thoroughly impressing the entire team with his tech skills.
Harry B.
Harry teamed up with Monty Miracle to learn the ins and outs of the eco-friendly chemical industry. He experienced a complete business cycle, learning about the manufacturing of patented exterior cleaning solutions, alongside marketing, sales, and office administration.
Grace B.
Grace had a jam-packed schedule touring EMERSON’s Manufacturing Plant in Manchester. She shadowed the General Manager, Procurement Team, Compliance Manager, and Digital Sales Engineers, leaving with a deep understanding of how every single role contributes to a global company's success.
Emma C.
Emma stepped directly into the fast-paced creative world of the hair and beauty industry. She spent her day learning the ropes, assisting stylists, and observing client care at Classique Hair Studio.
Zoe M.
Zoe delved into high-level academic research at the University of Leeds. She spent her day operating inside the LIGHT Laboratories for the Discovery & Translational Science Department, getting a true taste of laboratory life.
Mia K.
Mia received a masterclass in how a massive global enterprise functions. She rotated through three core departments, studying global communications, analyzing fire risk assessments and budgets in property management, and reviewing supplier due diligence in procurement.
Alternative Work Experience: Shaping Sustainable Futures in the Auditorium
For those students who were unable to spend the day off-site at a parent's workplace, Guiseley School’s auditorium was buzzing with innovation and forward-thinking energy during periods 3 and 4, as Year 9 students took part in an immersive Alternative Work Experience event.
The session was led by guest speaker Courtney Ward from Equans, who provided the students with a fascinating, real-world insight into the rapidly growing industries of home retrofit, sustainable architectural design, and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
Thinking Like Professionals
Throughout the double period, the Year 9s were thrown into the deep end of the modern construction and sustainability sectors, tackling three intense, hands-on challenges:
Stage 1: The Retrofit Advisors - Students first stepped into the shoes of energy consultants. Their task was to assess a case study of a real couple looking to upgrade their property, providing expert advice and guidance on how to retroactively fit the home with sustainable, energy-efficient technologies.
Stage 2: Design & Build Coordinators - Shifting focus to new builds, students collaborated in groups to draft a comprehensive site plan for a hypothetical housing development right here in Guiseley. Each team had to map out the site layout and write up a formal proposal justifying their design choices before presenting their ideas face-to-face to the entire room.
Stage 3: The Social Value Challenge - In a bid to understand how businesses support local areas, students were tasked with creating a community-focused social value plan. They identified pressing local issues, set goals, and researched local charities and community groups. Teams brainstormed brilliant ideas on how to utilise professional tradespeople, construct community spaces, or deliver workshops to help those in need.
A Credit to the School
The enthusiasm in the auditorium was infectious. The Year 9 pupils threw themselves into every task with a level of maturity and creativity that left a lasting impression.
Speaking after the event, Courtney Ward from Equans expressed how incredibly impressed she was by the students' work ethic, teamwork, and the high quality of the proposals and plans they produced. The young people involved were an absolute credit to themselves and to Guiseley School.
We would like to extend a massive thank you to Courtney Ward and Equans for taking the time to visit us today and for inspiring our students with such a vital glimpse into the careers shaping our future.
Building Futures, One Shift at a Time
Overall, the day was a resounding success that went far beyond the classroom curriculum. Whether they were navigating global corporate supply chains out in the field or mapping out sustainable housing developments in the school auditorium, Guiseley School's Year 9 students gained crucial insights into modern workplace dynamics, teamwork, and innovation.
We are incredibly grateful to Courtney Ward from Equans, as well as all the parents, local businesses, and global organizations who opened their doors and invested their time to inspire the next generation of professionals!