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

• Read more about the Teacher Encounters programme on the Surrey County Council website
• Surrey employers can get involved in the 2026 Teacher Encounters programme by contacting careers.hub@surreycc.gov.uk.
• Get updates on the Teacher Encounters programme and other Surrey Careers Hub activity by following us on LinkedIn
• Sign up to the STEP Surrey newsletter for latest news relating to skills and employment opportunities in Surrey

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

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

The Surrey Colleges Construction Skills competition saw dozens of future trades professionals face off in the annual showcase of future talent. It took place at at Brooklands Technical College in Weybridge.

Students from three Surrey Further Education colleges – East Surrey, Brooklands, and NESCOT – showcased their skills in brickwork, carpentry, and insulation installation.

The event provided an opportunity for students to demonstrate their technical abilities while adhering to the latest building regulations and installation standards.

With tasks tailored for different levels of expertise, the competition proved to be an excellent learning experience and a platform for future talent in the construction industry.

In line with SurreyFE’s core values, the competition also emphasised collaboration across the colleges, with students, staff, and mentors coming together to share knowledge, exchange skills, and work towards a common goal of excellence in construction.

Tasks for Surrey Colleges construction skills competition

The competition was divided into three key areas: brickwork, carpentry, and insulation installation. There were separate tasks designed for Level 1 and Level 2 students.

In brickwork the task involved constructing two distinct wall structures. Students had to construct a wall and install insulation to meet specific guidelines.

Level 1 first place went to Josh Tucker, followed by Isaac Martin and Rocco Sartori. First place for level 2 went to Alfie Jones with Emmanuel Meehan in second and Billy Sleath in third.

In the carpentry category, students had to build a planned structure, including a roof installation, and then applying insulation.

The winners were East Surrey College with Brooklands Technical College and NESCOT in joint second.

The insulation segment saw students had to follow detailed installation guidance to meet the latest building regulations. Each student was given a guidance sheet outlining the proper techniques and standards for installing insulation.

The winners of the insulation tasks were Alfie Jones (Gold), Emmanuel Meehan (Silver) and NESCOT Carpentry Team (Bronze).

The event concluded with a ceremony to celebrate the winners and recognise their efforts.

While the competition was fierce, the focus was on fostering learning and professional development among aspiring builders.

A special thank you to Kingspan for their vital support and sponsorship of the Surrey Colleges Construction Skills competition.

Congratulations to all the winners and participants. And thanks to the staff from East Surrey College, Brooklands Technical College, and NESCOT for their commitment to preparing future tradespeople.

The SurreyFE construction skills competition continues to be an outstanding platform for students to showcase their passion and skills in a collaborative and challenging environment.

Looking for further support?

There are hundreds of free or subsidised courses available to people who live in Surrey. So it’s never been easier to learn new skills.

Find a list of local providers via our easy-to-search provider directory.

Or you can look at current opportunities via our training and courses page.

Need further support? Get in touch with our team of experts via our Get Support Now form.

This story first appeared on the Surrey FE website in April 2025.