A Maidstone student has been provided with an exciting career opportunity via a scheme that promotes greater working relations between local schools and businesses.
Daniel Hayes is a student at the St Simon Stock Catholic School, located on the Oakwood Park complex. Last year St Simon Stock invested in a national scheme called Young Chamber. On a local level Young Chamber is run by the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, with the core aim of creating greater connectivity between local schools and businesses and providing valauble life skills training.
Since September Young Chamber has facilitated various events based around the themes of Career Options and Enterprise. One of these events was a Careers Day held last November. Around 30 local businesses, many of them Chamber members, supported the event, which gave students an insight into what careers were open to them locally and what exactly was needed in the way of qualifications and skills to take up those opportunities.
DSH Chartered Accountants & Business Advisors based at Eclipse Park in Maidstone were one of the companies that supported the day. Through the introduction, the school forged a working relationship with the firm and as a result of this Daniel learnt of a training scheme that the firm was looking to roll out to school leavers. The school then took Daniel through the subsequent application process.
Last month Daniel learnt that his application was successful – he was hired as a Trainee Accountant. In practice this means that he now has a generous starting salary, full on the job training as well as opportunities to study for a globally recognised qualification.
Talking about his opportunity Daniel said: “I can now pursue my chosen career path without the need to go to university full time.”
Commenting on the Careers Day, Blake Sanders, Accountant at DSH, said: “The day ran very smoothly – I was impressed with the way that the students conducted themselves. It was a worthwhile event for us to attend.”
Young Chamber is continually looking for businesses to assist with the Schools’ activities. If you would like to reach out to the workforce of tomorrow please contact Alistair Moore on 01622 695544 or 0779 321 5815. Alternatively please email alistair@kentinvictachamber.co.uk
