Last Friday, O2i helped to host a business breakfast with a twist : a networking breakfast at Didcot Girls’ School where attendees had the opportunity to vote on a student-led dragons’ den style competition.

The event was the idea of Enterprise Adviser for DGS, Mike Foster and the school's Head of Personal Development, Stuart George. It proved a great opportunity for businesses to get more familiar with one of their local schools - and to discover opportunities for them to directly interact with and inspire its students - while also providing a platform for students to build their presenting and leadership skills while engaging with local employers.

The morning kicked off with much-needed coffee and breakfast, before the school pitched upcoming opportunities for employers to engage with young people : work experience placements, mentoring opportunities and business studies project support.

Then it was time for the main event : building up to the day, students worked hard in teams on business ‘proposals’ and the top three were chosen to ‘pitch’ to our attendees from business to vote for their favourite pitch. The students answered questions and sold their products as best they could. Ultimately, it was such a tough choice!  The winning team proposed a vegan restaurant chain, with a giant 'V' as their symbol to challenge the golden arches of a certain fast-food restaurant. They have kindly been offered some mentoring and assistance by Didcot Railway Centre –where they may be able to host a vegan stall…more on this as it evolves…

All in all, it was a fabulous opportunity for the school to open its doors as an integral part of the local community – as Rebecca of O2i said in her opening speech : a school’s aims are to output educated, inspired and empowered young people with great career prospects ahead of them into the local community. Employers want educated, inspired and empowered young people to work for and with them. There should, therefore, be little divide between schools and employers -  we should all be working together to strengthen and inspire our young people. 

If you would like the opportunity to volunteer for opportunities like these at Didcot Girls' School - or any of Oxfordshire's schools do register with us or email Rebecca for more information.