Month: June 2025

Teacher Encounters with Surrey businesses to highlight future opportunities

Published June 25, 2025

News

Teacher Encounters returns to Surrey for 2025. It sees teachers become students for the day visiting some of Surrey’s brightest and best businesses as part of broader efforts to inspire the region’s future workforce

As this academic year begins to draw to a close, a number of schools, special schools, and colleges across Surrey are taking part in Surrey Careers Hub’s 2025 Teacher Encounters initiative.

This dynamic series of workplace visits connects educators with leading Surrey employers. It has seen enthusiastic participation from teachers across a wide range of Surrey educational settings across the county, helping to bridge the gap between education and the world of work. (See full list of participating institutions below.)

These educators are taking up the opportunity to visit and engage with a diverse range of Surrey employers, including Wates Group, Royal Holloway University, CGI, Supermassive Games, Home Counties Carers, AtkinsRéalis, Yunex Traffic, ramsac, Macro and Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust.

What’s involved in a Teacher Encounter?

The visits offer valuable insights into the skills, knowledge, and attributes that employers are seeking in the future workforce. It helps educators to understand the wide range of career opportunities available and gain a deeper understanding of how their subject is applied practically in the workplace.

They can take this back to their classrooms to enrich their curriculum with real-world industry examples, while enabling them to build ongoing relationships with employers.

Following each Teacher Encounter, participating teachers will develop bespoke teaching resources that will translate newly acquired industry knowledge into practical classroom applications or resources to share with their teaching colleagues. The initiative aims to produce a diverse and inclusive suite of materials, tailored to a wide range of subjects and adaptable to the needs of students from all types of institutions.

Matt Furniss, Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth at Surrey County Council, praised the initiative:

“The Teachers Encounters programme is a vital investment in the future of Surrey’s economy. By equipping our teachers with up-to-date industry knowledge and meaningful employer connections, we empower them to better guide their students in making informed career choices. This initiative not only benefits our young people but also strengthens the talent pipeline for local businesses, ensuring Surrey remains a thriving hub of innovation and opportunity.”

Views from Teacher Encounters participants

Tim Browning, Recruitment Lead at Supermassive Games said:

“This programme is a fantastic way to bridge the gap between education and industry. Equipping teachers with industry knowledge is crucial for inspiring and preparing students for their future careers. We’re already looking forward to next year’s programme!”

Ellie Smith, AtkinsRéalis Social Value Consultant shared:

“The Teacher Encounter programme highlights the importance of collaboration between educators and industry professionals in shaping a skilled workforce and AtkinsRéalis is proud to have taken part.”

A delighted teacher from East Surrey College added:

“It was both enlightening and informative to hear about the company’s early careers programme. The insights and perspectives shared will undoubtedly be incredibly valuable for our students as they look to progress into their careers after completing their college studies.”

The programme is part of Surrey Careers Hub’s ongoing commitment to enhancing careers education and ensuring that young people are well-prepared for the rapidly evolving world of work.

By fostering stronger links between education and industry, the Careers Hub is helping to create a more informed, inspired, and future-ready generation.

Find out more

Surrey schools and colleges taking part in 2025 Teacher Encounters

  • Ashcombe School
  • Brooklands College
  • Carrington School
  • Collingwood College
  • East Surrey College
  • Epsom College
  • Esher Sixth Form College
  • Fox Grove School
  • Freemantles School
  • George Abbot School
  • Godalming College
  • Guildford County School
  • Heathside School
  • Hoe Valley School
  • Nescot
  • Pond Meadow School
  • Reigate College
  • Rosebery School
  • St Pauls Catholic College
  • The Beacon School
  • Therfield School
  • Thomas Knyvett College
  • Warlingham School
  • Wishmore Cross Academy
  • Woking College
A group of professional people wearing teal lanyards stand in an office smiling at the camera.

WorkWell support now available to Surrey residents

Published June 16, 2025

Support

WorkWell support is now available to all adults in Surrey. Get free one-to-one coaching support to get a job or stay in work today.

Research shows there are hundreds of people in Surrey people with mental or physical health conditions who struggle to return to work after a period of absence.

One-to-one support from a WorkWell coach can help you return to work sooner. It can also help you from going on sickness leave and losing pay.

WorkWell coaches will provide a personalised support plan tailored to your needs. This may recommend employment and skills support, such as exploring new careers and talking to employers about changes they may need to make in the workplace. They may also recommend mental or physical activity support.

The support is free and usually lasts for up to six months. But it is not time limited meaning that the service is available for all the time you may need it.

The main thing is that you get the support you need to be healthy enough to stay in work.

Get support now via the Surrey County Council WorkWell website.

What is WorkWell?

WorkWell is a joint initiative from the Department of Work and Pensions and the Department of Health and Social Care to create a healthier and more productive nation.

Surrey County Council is delivering WorkWell in Surrey in partnership with local providers of health, wellbeing, employment and skills support.

It provides free, one-to-one work and health support service, helping people with health issues and/or disabilities to get back to work or remain in work by connecting them to local support providers.

People who are absent from work due to reasons such as mental health, Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions and respiratory reasons often struggle to return to work after a period of sickness absence.

You can self-refer, speak to your GP, or contact us directly for support via the Surrey County Council website.

Who is eligible?

  • Anyone worried about how their health is impacting their ability to start, return to, or stay in work
  • Anyone who is in work, need support returning to work or are out of work for up to six months, who requires early intervention due to health related barriers
  • Anyone aged 16+ living in Surrey and registered with a Surrey GP surgery
  • Has the right to work in the UK

Those with more complex needs may be linked with other schemes that can provide longer term support.

Who provides WorkWell support in Surrey?

Surrey County Council is working with several providers to deliver WorkWell support.

This includes primary care services. These are the first point of contact in the healthcare system. And they include GPs, community pharmacy, dental, and optometry (eye health) services.

The local support providers we’re using are:

Managing your data

If you would like to know more about how we use and store the information you give us, you can find further information in our Privacy notice.

WorkWell Surrey. Three people in high vis jackets are on an outdoor construction site. Two of the people are smiling while shaking hands.

Transitions Fair highlights opportunities for young people with additional needs and disabilities

Published June 16, 2025

Events

The Transitions Fair welcomed over 200 young people with additional needs and disabilities to Surrey County Council’s Woodhatch Place in Reigate to explore future opportunities. It was created by Surrey Careers Hub as part of National Careers Week.

This event was specifically created for young people educated in specialist schools and alternative provision. It helped them understand the options available for their transition from education to employment, further education, training or social settings.

The event saw enthusiastic participation from 12 Surrey schools, bringing together over 200 students.

The event was supported by over 20 exhibitors. This includes colleges and educators, employers, employment support organisations, apprenticeship providers and social settings. All offering valuable guidance and information to the young people in attendance.

Surrey Careers Hub also partnered with Macro staff employed on the council’s facilities management contract to showcase to students the people and the jobs that keep Woodhatch Place a safe, welcoming and accessible working environment.

Learn more about opportunities in Surrey via our Inspire section.

Transitions Fair – why it matters

Matt Furniss, Surrey County Council Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport, and Economic Growth, attended the event to meet with students and exhibitors. He shared his positive reflections:

 “The Transitions Fair is a testament to our commitment to ensuring that every young person in Surrey, regardless of their educational needs, has access to the resources and support they need to succeed, with no one left behind. It was inspiring to see so many young people engaging with the exhibitors and exploring the range of options for their future.”

Clare Curran, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Lifelong Learning said: “This Transitions Fair, and the work of the Surrey Careers Hub in general, is so important in helping to ensure Surrey children and young people with additional needs and disabilities are informed about the range of opportunities available for them as they head towards adulthood. I’m sure those attending left feeling inspired about their futures.”

A teacher attending said: “The fair was well organised, quieter and catered well to the needs of our students. The short film [about Macro staff] was brilliant and extremely engaging. All my students loved it and felt a sense of empowerment that they too can go and work for Surrey County Council in all different departments.”

Students were highly engaged and appreciated the opportunity to meet exhibitors. One commented: “Orpheus has amazing music program, flats on campus and help with getting houses once you’ve left. Sounds amazing.”

While another said: “I loved talking to the ‘Project Radio’ people and this is something where I can see myself going.”

About Surrey Careers Hub

The Surrey Careers Hub plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between education and employment, ensuring that all young people, including those with additional needs and disabilities, have the opportunity to find their best next step. The Careers Hub ethos is that every young person deserves the best possible start to their adult life: to choose their own path and fulfil their potential.

Surrey Careers Hub sits within Surrey County Council’s Economy and Growth Team. In partnership with The Careers and Enterprise Company, the Careers Hub works with Careers Leaders, educators, employers and training providers to inspire and prepare young people in education with modern, 21st century careers education.

Transitions Fair Exhibitors

  • Activate Learning
  • Ambitious College
  • Choice Care Group
  • Consensus Support
  • County Care
  • Dramatize
  • Early Years Workforce Development
  • Eurovia
  • Family Information Service
  • Jigsaw Plus
  • Linkable
  • Macro
  • My Employment Passport
  • Naturally Talented Me
  • Nescot
  • NHS
  • Orchard Hill College
  • Post19
  • Ringway
  • SEND Advice Surrey
  • SMP Alliance
  • Surrey Choices
  • The Orpheus Centre
A group of young people with additional needs smile at the camera. They are attending a conference event.

Runnymede Open Doors inspires dozens of young people about their futures

Published June 16, 2025

News

Theme parks, fun football games and caring for the elderly are some of the experiences gained by Surrey students as part of the Runnymede Open Doors programme.

Open Doors provides young people with a chance to explore potential career paths in different industries, learn about the skills employers are looking for, and enhance their own skills.

About 180 young people from six secondary schools took part in the 2024 programme. They heard what it takes to design a rollercoaster at Thorpe Park, care for the elderly, run a football themed arena and cut people’s hair.

It was created and delivered by Runnymede Borough Council, Business Runnymede and Surrey Careers Hub. It was supported by the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Matt Furniss, Surrey County Council Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth said: “We are delighted to be able to run Open Doors in Runnymede to enable young people to gain first-hand experience of differing workplaces and have genuine conversations with local employers.

“Programmes of this type, investing in the workforce of tomorrow, are vital in ensuring the long-term success of our regional economy, and we appreciate the time and energy the participating businesses have invested into the success of the scheme.”

Looking for inspiration about your future? Visit our Inspire pages to learn more about Surrey’s jobs and employers.

What is Runnymede Open Doors?

A total of 10 Runnymede businesses took part in the 2024 edition of Runnymede Open Doors.

Each business devised their own unique itinerary to help the students experience a little of what it would be like to work there and hear more about the career pathways available.

At Avery Healthcare the students met several of the home’s residents, toured the premises and watched an exciting match of Balloon Tennis. They also had the opportunity to ask staff and residents for their own views.

Groups of students who visited Kick-X were first able to let off a bit of steam and understand the customer experience by trying out the various hybrid football facilities at the venue. They then took part in an interactive workshop where they brainstormed solutions to real-life challenges and opportunities faced by the business.

One teacher said: “We all absolutely enjoyed today’s visit to Kick X. Max has been fantastic. The session was very well planned, delivered. Max was enthusiastic, well-spoken and captured the student’s attention. He talked about the business, jobs, skills and values in a very exciting way and the students have got a lot from the session. They not only enjoyed the practical part but also the theory where they were taking part in some business ideas, offering advice and creativity. All our learning objectives were met thanks to Max. We are very grateful for this valuable opportunity.”

The young people visiting Thorpe Park were tested on their knowledge of the theme park’s history and heard the career stories of several key members of staff before undertaking an eye-opening behind-the-scenes tour of the park.

Almost every student who completed an evaluation form responded that the visit had helped them to understand more about the jobs and careers available with that employer, and 100% said they’d like to attend more employer visits in the future.

Who took part in Runnymede Open Doors?

Businesses

  • Thorpe Park
  • Avery Healthcare
  • Kick-X Football Arena
  • Geek Retreat
  • Stanhope-Seta
  • Snap Fitness
  • Achieve Lifestyle
  • Egham Orbit
  • Chop & Change Hair Salon
  • Page Personnel

Schools

  • Chertsey High School
  • Phillip Southcote School
  • Magna Carta School
  • Walton-Leigh School
  • Jubilee High School
  • Fullbrook School
Young people and adults wearing high vis jackets pose in front of a theme park attraction.

KFC UK: a Surrey Success Story

Published June 10, 2025

Success stories

KFC UK is a global brand with a UK headquarters in Woking, Surrey. Discover more about jobs and careers with KFC UK by watching our Surrey Success Story video.

KFC UK – based in Working

It’s an iconic global brand with a founder as famous as its food. But how many of you knew that Colonel Sanders’ fried chicken legacy is rooted in Surrey as well as Kentucky?

It’s nearly a century since the white suited Sanders first started serving his fried chicken in a roadside motel in the United States. The taste is now exported round the world, including the UK.

Kentucky Fried Chicken – known better as KFC – opened its first UK restaurant in Preston, Lancashire in the 1960s.

And the UK operation has never looked back. Currently there are more than 1,000 branches in the UK. And its parent company KFC UK has an annual turnover of close to £300 million.

This major operation is all coordinated from a UK headquarters in the heart of the Surrey town of Woking.

Find out more about careers and jobs with KFC UK on the KFC UK careers page.

Working at KFC UK

So how has a company founded in the southern US state of Kentucky come to be so popular?

Well, the food is pretty good – with the unique blend of 11 herbs and spices still very much a top level secret.

The company is also committed to being bold and innovative.

Jo Tivers, Head of Food and Quality, said: “I love working in the fast food industry. As the name suggests, it’s really, really fast. We can be really innovative, we can try new things. We have a customer base that is really interested in trying new things.”

The company is also big on investing in its people – with culture being a real focus. It claims to be “people first culture, really heart-led” – with a real focus on supporting and championing young people, especially with their first jobs.

As Hema Ladwa, People Experience Lead, explains: “We really believe that everyone has the potential, we just need to feed that potential, whether it’s feeding them chicken or whether it’s feeding them through their knowledge and through their learning and development.”

This commitment inspires loyalty and nurtures talent, for now and into the future.

Why work at KFC UK in Surrey?

KFC UK has had its restaurant support centre in Woking for more than 25 years. About 350 people are based there, with location being a major plus point – for business and for pleasure.

With direct train links to London taking 30 minutes and the M25 and two major airports a short drive away, connectivity couldn’t be better.

Jenny Packwood, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, said: “Not only do we have great proximity to London, the trains are really quick in and out to London for people who live there. And because we’re international, the proximity to Heathrow and Gatwick is also really helpful.”

Woking is also a fantastic place for people to be live, continually ranked among the best places in the UK to reside.

There’s culture, countryside, shopping, great food and drink plus access to a range of recreational facilities.

Jo Tivers, Head of Food and Quality, said: “It’s great to be able to go into the weekend, enjoy lunch out with the family, take them to the theatre, to the cinema. There’s always something incredible to do.”

Find out more about careers and jobs with KFC UK on the KFC UK careers page.

Need extra support?

STEP Surrey provides dedicated support to help you and other Surrey residents find work or return to work.

Inside of the KFC UK headquarters in Woking, Surrey. A large red and white bucket stands at the front of the image.
Two people talk while at work in the KFC UK headquarters in Woking. One of them has a laptop in front of them.

Free digital skills training for Surrey adults

Published June 2, 2025

Training

Free digital skills training is available to all Surrey adults. Boost your confidence with computers to improve your skills and increase your potential earnings with courses from Surrey Adult Learning.

Surrey Adult Learning offers free courses across Surrey for those aged 19 or over. Delivered by expert tutors, they are perfect for people looking to get work-ready or simply boost their skills.

It will also help you work from home and use computers in your personal time with greater confidence.

The courses will help you:

  • Learn essential skills required for work and home such as Cloud storage, email management and communication
  • Discover how to create and edit professional looking documents.
  • Understand how to troubleshoot your device and search the internet effectively.
  • Explore social media settings and protocol.
  • Know how to be safe and responsible online and how to control your digital footprint.

Enrolments open every term in March, July and November. If courses have already started you may still be able to join so please contact the Surrey Adult Learning team.

Next extra help to take the next step? Contact the STEP Surrey team via the Get Support Now form.

Sign up for free digital skills training in Surrey

Surrey Adult Learning offers free digital skills courses for a range of abilities.

To apply complete the application form. The Surrey Adult Learning team will evaluate your eligibility and skills then provide a course offer. You must accept this offer to secure your place.

If you need help completing this form please

Eligibility criteria

Digital skills courses at Surrey Adult Learning are free for adults aged 19 or over on the 31 August 2024.

They must be:

  • Adults aged 19 or over on 31 August 2024
  • Able to easily travel to an agreed Surrey Adult Learning centre to sit exams or assessments (where applicable)
  • United Kingdom (UK) nationals – Who currently live in England and have been resident in the UK for at least three full years prior to starting their course

Those on asylum or refugee schemes will be exempt from the three-year rule.

The full list of eligibility criteria is on the Surrey Adult Learning website.

If you’re unsure then get in touch with the STEP Surrey team via the Get Support Now form.

A tutor helps a learner with digital skills training. Both are sat down at a desk with computer in front of them.