Sixth form takes care of business by inviting Amazon and others to first ever speakers conference

Amazon were one of nine big companies to visit One Sixth Form College (ONE) in Ipswich as part of a newly established business speakers conference.

During this event, learners from across the largest educational facility for sixth form students in Suffolk got a number of insights into the world of work.

Other guest speakers to support this event included Larking Gowen and the University of East Anglia, as well as StrategiQ who have written a blog about the day here.

Subjects discussed included branding, the impact of BREXIT, finance, quality, social media and working overseas.

Chris Heath Robinson

Chris Heath Robinson is the head of business at ONE. Chris said: “The talks were all about relating to what students do on a day to day basis, so they can listen to real life scenarios from those in industry that they can discuss, debate and write about in future work projects. The other thing this gives our students is the opportunity to network and listen to the employers that they are going to work for in the future.”

One of the attendees was John McFall from Amazon. The head of global logistics and supply, said: “Amazon is proud of our links with local communities and we provide students, teachers and parents with free computer science & STEM education programmes. We trust that such initiatives help people reach their full potential, while also up skilling the UK workforce.”

Elizabeth Muffett and Rebecca Firmin.

Elizabeth Muffett, 18, from Ipswich studies A levels at One and hopes to study criminology at university or on an apprenticeship in business. Elizabeth said: “They (the talks) give you an insight and a deeper understanding and knowledge of what you could potentially do.”

Rebecca Firmin, 17, from Needham Market also studies A levels at One and wants to study occupational therapy. Rebecca said: “It gives you more of a real life experience (of the business world). Today has informed my future choices.”

John McFall from Amazon

Other business projects that students are working on include an ongoing link up with the Institute of Directors that gives students from ONE the chance to become members of this organisation, an investor challenge, a ‘real life project’ where students are developing an online escape room that will be used as part of a recruitment process for BT and others and a women in business project that will see a variety of speakers from industry come in to the college to share their empowering stories.

This event was organised by Penny Quintero-Hunt.