In the midst of the covid pandemic when all non-essential businesses had their doors closed to visitors, students found it near impossible to secure work experience, however an innovative partnership between John Lewis, Buckinghamshire Skills Hub’s Bucks Enterprise Adviser Network and The Royal Latin School, has ensured students still receive first class careers education.
Upon hearing that Year 10 students at The Royal Latin School would be unable to undertake their usual work experience programme, John Lewis offered to help.
In conjunction with the Bucks Skills Hub, John Lewis set a challenge and supported Year 10 students with a virtual workplace experience that would involve staff visiting the school once restrictions allowed.
Renowned for their annual Christmas TV commercial, they asked the students to create their own storyboards and present their own version of a John Lewis advert.
Working in small groups the students had to consider the sales perspective, what charity it would profile, supply chain and distribution solutions as well as brand credibility. Staff from John Lewis and the Bucks Skills Hub then attended the school to hear the presentations and select winners. The winners were presented with John Lewis vouchers and other teams also received prizes.
Year 10 students at the school are now able to demonstrate on their CVs and college/university application forms that they have an experience of a workplace. This initiative has yielded such positive results that John Lewis have been asked by other Bucks schools to deliver similar projects.
For all your skills and careers needs please visit our new Bucks Skills Hub website at: www.bucksskillshub.org or email one of the team at info@bucksskillshub.org or call 01494 927130.

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