In the unprecedented times we’ve all experienced in the last few years due to the pandemic, we understand how difficult it has been for young people to kick start their careers. At AIA, we want to be able to help young people in their chosen careers and give as much guidance as we can, therefore we have joined up with Spark! charity in a work experience programme as part of the Hounslow Careers Cluster, a European Social Fund project co-delivered by the London Borough of Hounslow to raise aspirations and work readiness of Hounslow’s young people.
Spark! are a charity who believes ‘Every young person can and should leave education ready, equipped and able to enter the world of work.’ Established in 1980, they have assisted tens of thousands of young people in the transition from education into the world of employment, in helping develop skills that they will need to have a successful career.
We are extremely proud to be able to call ourselves a partner of Spark! and the Hounslow Careers Cluster, our UK Manager, Sarah Nash has worked closely with the charity in organising a placement of work experience to happen at our head office in Heathrow. We have also attended Brentford School to carry out a workshop for students who will soon be leaving education, with preparing students to succeed in their work experience.
“First hand I can remember the transition I took from school to work, no one prepared me for the change. I feel it’s important to work with the new generation coming into the industry and guide them on what is expected in a working environment, it can be very dauting. The team have enjoyed helping our candidate feel welcome and being able to give a good insight into our industry.” – Sarah Nash UK Manager
Our very own Marketing Executive had a period of work experience with AIA back in 2015, since then, she has had a successful marketing career and has recently re-joined our team as a permanent member.
“When I left school, I had no clue what it would be like working in the real world, all I knew is that I wanted to get out there. I was lucky enough to get work experience with AIA which gave me a taste of what working in an office environment would be like, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Since then, I’ve gone on to have a 7-year career in marketing and am grateful to AIA for the experience they gave me and am proud to be back here as their Marketing Executive.”
The team have enjoyed being able to pass their knowledge onto the student whilst they’ve been with AIA for their work experience. We were thrilled when we received this statement from the student that has been working with us:
“Working at AIA cargo has been such a pleasant experience. Everyone here has been very friendly and nice. Sarah has taught me many interesting new things of how everything works around here. I have learnt a lot while being here. I have loved my experience here and it has overall been very fun!”
We are proud to be able to give young people the opportunity of what it’s like to work in a fast paced and friendly working environment.
