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
