Volunteering as an Industry Champion offers you the unique opportunity to bring the local labour market to life for young people. Industry Champions were introduced to give students the chance to meet local employers and employees, ask questions, and explore different career paths.
Our Industry Champions are volunteers from various professional backgrounds, and they're all working at different levels. They work with local schools and colleges by supporting students with their careers education.
Whether online or face-to-face, as an Industry Champion, you'll likely be invited to discuss your career journey and industry with students, sharing your personal career insights and experiences.
What's in it for you?
By volunteering yourself or your employees as an Industry Champion, you'll be:
- Contributing to local talent development
- Amplifying your brand awareness and business profile within the community
- Establishing potential links to support your future workforce
- Exchanging ideas and connecting with young minds in Surrey
- Contributing to your or your staff's Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
- Boosting employee morale and productivity by introducing a positive workplace culture
Could you be an Industry Champion?
To be an Industry Champion, you can work at any level within your organisation, and you'll:
- have a thorough understanding of your industry
- be passionate about what you do
- be confident in your ability to talk about your job role and the journey you took to get there
- be willing to share your insights and educate others on how to achieve their career aspirations
Industry Champions tend to be involved in a range of activities designed to inspire young people. These activities could include:
- Mock Interview Days
- Careers Fairs
- Careers talks
- Work experience opportunities
- Employer and student networking events
- Mentoring schemes
- Workplace tours and visits
- Assembly talks
All Industry Champions receive dedicated support from the Surrey Careers Hub team, including training and resources needed for the role.
Start your journey as a volunteer Industry Champion
Other ways to get involved with the Surrey Careers Hub
There are many ways to get involved and make a difference to young people's prospects in your local community. Perhaps you could offer work experience for students? Or maybe you could invite teachers into your workplace via our Teacher Encounters initiative. Use the links below to explore the many options.
Stay up to date
The Careers Courier is a half-termly newsletter featuring all the latest tools, tips, and updates from your Surrey Careers Hub team.
To receive the Careers Courier directly to your inbox, email careers.hub@surreycc.gov.uk with the subject line 'Careers Courier.'
