The Stephen Longfellow Academy formed a relationship with HSS Tool Hire in Holbeck to set up a site experience for students to raise their aspirations and awareness about the wide range of jobs within HSS Tool Hire. Year 11 students were invited to gain site experience at the HSS Holbeck site.
On entering the premises, students were given a health and safety brief and introduced to personal protective equipment. They were then given a tour of the facilities and then had a class session where they were taught about the roles on offer and upcoming apprenticeships. A wide range of jobs were covered by HSS staff and included: testers, fitters, scissor lift engineers, electrical engineers, stock controllers, drivers and sales.
HSS staff feedback
“I got a good feeling about the students you brought to us today, they were engaged and asked questions that showed their genuine interest in joining our business. The fact your students left today thinking positively about their futures and HSS is really energising to the work we do. Please do check in with me as opportunity’s will arise for your students. I am also more than happy to conduct any similar sessions in the future.” Tom McColgan (Operations Manager HSS)
TSLA staff feedback
“The Year 11 students that attended the visit to HSS thoroughly enjoyed it. They were very interested in the roles and apprenticeships discussed by Tom and Michelle which they could access post 16. They also enjoyed touring the building and seeing people working. The whole event was well planned and delivered at a pace that met the needs of our students. The visit also raised aspirations and awareness of jobs that they hadn’t previously considered. Several students have said they will apply for the HSS apprenticeships when they become available”. Paul Blaymire (Employer link officer)
Student feedback
On return from the HSS visit students completed a feedback form and the results can be seen below.
100% of students said they enjoyed the visit to HSS today.
100% of students said they had learned about new roles that they had not previously considered e.g. Testers Fitters, Lift Engineers etc.
75% said they would be interested in applying for an apprenticeship with HSS.
In terms of knowledge about HSS as an employer, 100% said the visit has increased their knowledge of HSS as a national employer and understand the work they do.
Some comments from students included: “It was good, when do I start!” & “Very good”
HSS have said they will consider our visiting Year 11 students for their upcoming apprenticeships, which are to be released in early May 2024. The Stephen Longfellow Academy look forward to continuing working with HSS to inspire its students and improve outcomes for its students.
Raj Gill (Senior Careers Officer)