Students on the Centre for Leadership Performance’s Dream Placement scheme took part in a virtual communication workshop on Thursday evening, delivered by Hello Future’s Graduate Intern for Carlisle & Eden, Connor Bluemel. The scheme brings together ‘bright, motivated young students aged 16-18’ in a development programme which allows participants to connect with major employers in the region, with some eventually securing their ‘Dream Placement’.
On the evening of Thursday 25th November, students heard from several employers – including representatives of the Simon Rogan restaurant group, the NHS, and the University of Cumbria – who described their companies, career paths and what a week’s Dream Placement in their organisation would look like. Participants were able to ask any questions they had about the companies, in what was both a chance to gather information and to demonstrate their passion to prospective employers.
Having delivered a workshop at last year’s event, Hello Future were invited back to run their skill session on Communicating Confidently as a complement to the Q&A portion of the evening. Graduate Intern for Carlisle & Eden, Connor Bluemel, ran the session, emphasising the benefits of good communication both personally and professionally. Engaging students in a discussion of how their own skills have improved, participants also learnt to consider non-verbal aspects of communication and how these could be employed to their benefit, particularly in a digital setting. Speaking afterwards, Connor said, ‘I had some really rewarding conversations with the students, reflecting on the development of their communication abilities. I’m excited for them to put their skills into practice as part of this brilliant scheme’.
Find out more about the Dream Placement scheme here.