Day in the Life Week
Last week volunteers from four of our employers banished January blues bringing the world of work to life for primary students showcasing roles across different sectors.
We delivered the first of two Day in the Life weeks this term; engaging students across York to experience a Day – or hour – in the life of a wide variety of roles. Volunteers visited primary schools and delivered hour-long sessions for 9 classes.
From bank branch manager and chef to Local Area coordinators and solicitors, the students were able to learn what exactly is involved in a role. The volunteers led an interactive activity showcasing their roles, followed by an opportunity for the students to ask questions about anything relating to their work. NatWest volunteers talked to the students about scams, filling cash machines and how to read a bank statement, whilst the university chef explored the nutritional considerations needed to feed a whole university! Aviva volunteers supported the students to plan a trip highlighting project management skills and the risks that must be considered.
After visiting a school, one volunteer shared: “I felt the sessions were really interactive with good participation from both ourselves, the children, and the teachers too! [The children asked] lots of questions which meant they understood the subjects discussed and were inquisitive to find out more information and answers later on.”
Another expressed what “a great opportunity to share with young people what different roles they could do if they wanted to pursue a caring career. Equally it was great to hear from them what they thought of the role that we did and what sort of skills were required to do it.”
Linking real life and learning for pupils aged 7-11, Day in the Life gives our volunteers the opportunity to make a big difference, in exchange for very little time commitment. These hour sessions can have a huge impact on children who may know very little about the world of work. Help by sharing your knowledge and expertise and you never know what you might spark in the next generation!
If you would like to find out more about our Aspirations activities, or to get involved in our next Day in the Life week, please contact Hannah via info@yorkcares.co.uk
