School pupils visit West Midlands employers for glimpse into world of work - The Solihull Observer

School pupils visit West Midlands employers for glimpse into world of work

Solihull Editorial 13th Jul, 2019   0

ALMOST 100 school pupils from across Solihull enjoyed an introduction to the world of work when they visited leading employers as part of the first Professional Services Week in the borough.

Teenagers from Solihull’s Lode Heath School and Arden Academy, Park Hall School in Castle Bromwich and Henley-in-Arden School took part in the annual event.

It is co-ordinated by BPS Birmingham, a membership organisation which represents the business, professional and financial services sector in the region.

Around 20 students from each school went to a range of firms in Solihull and Coventry to gain an insight into how professional service providers such as accountants and solicitors work.




One business which took part in the scheme was Prime Accountants, which has offices in Solihull, Coventry and Birmingham and provides a range of services such as audit and accounts, wealth management and payroll processing.

Managing director of Prime Kevin Johns said: “We are delighted to have taken part in the first Professional Services Week in Coventry and Solihull.


“The students who visited us are coming to an age where they are beginning to think about life and career choices, so as a business which immerses itself in the community, we felt it was important to take part in this initiative.

“We had one student who came along to the session and subsequently got in touch with us asking to do work experience, as his visit made him think accountancy might be something he would like to do as a career.”

Prime staff presented to the youngsters on what the business does, what it is like to work in the accountancy industry and what sort of qualifications they would need.

Students then took part in a Q&A and an interactive Countdown-esque number challenge. West Midlands mayor Andy Street gave a speech at Prime’s Solihull site to end the session.

Director at BPS Birmingham Hilary Smyth-Allen said: “We are delighted that firms and schools in Solihull and Coventry and Warwickshire took part in Professional Services Week for the first time.

“Professional services are growing across the region and rely more and more on new talent. What better way than to encourage local students from all backgrounds and communities to consider the opportunities being created.

“The week provided both employers and students with the opportunity to meet and for the young people to experience what professional firms are all about and what employment prospects exist within them.”

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