Team members at a process filter manufacturer have shared first-hand insight to help local school pupils learn about the world of work.

On separate community initiatives with two secondary schools, Amazon Filters managers role-played job interviewers and welcomed students for a tour of their Camberley, Surrey, production centre.

In support of a ‘big interview’ day for students at Kings International College, Camberley, two managers, Keith Wickert and Daniel O’Sullivan, visited the school and acted as prospective employers to quiz applicants for various roles.

The pair helped around 20 ‘candidates’ present themselves across the table, explain their interest in potential jobs and make a case for their suitability.

Interviews were held one-to-one and ranged over a variety of roles including combat pilot, doctor, veterinary nurse, tattoo artist, solicitor, software engineer, journalist and child psychologist.

Keith, Technical Manager, said:

“It was great to interact with so many confident, capable and polite young people and provide a little help in their journey to a fulfilling future.”

Daniel, Housing Production Manager, said:

“The aim was to assess the candidate's readiness for the workforce, focusing on communication skills, motivation and their fit for the role."

“The feedback we had was that it was a valuable experience for the students. It highlighted strengths while providing insights for future improvement."

“Continuous practice and reflection will enhance their confidence and performance in future interviews.”

Separately, and as part of its support community charity the Community Matters Partnership (CMP), the firm hosted a visit by eleven pupils from Tomlinscote School in Camberley.

The Year 10 group, aged 13 or 14, donned hi-viz jackets and safety footwear for a behind-the-scenes tour of Amazon Filters’ manufacturing facility which is just two miles from the state secondary.

After a welcome from Managing Director Neil Pizzey and Head of People & Culture Ruth Pappadakis, the pupils met managers and staff as they were shown round various departments including cartridge and housing production and goods-in.

As a conversation prompt, the visitors were invited to research answers to a series of questions about Amazon Filters before they arrived.

Subjects included product awareness and the main industries the manufacturer supplies such as municipal water, energy, pharma, chemicals and coatings, and food and beverage.

At the end of the afternoon, pupils were presented with goody bags containing Amazon Filters-branded selfie light rings.

The visit was one of a series of workplace visits CMP has organised for pupils this year under its initiative Raise, standing for Raise Aspirations Inspire Support Encourage.

The aim is to share experiences of different vocational opportunities to boost awareness among young learners and encourage confidence and motivation about entering the world of work.

As well as Amazon Filters, pupils have visited Farnborough Airport, UK Connect, The Village Hotel, Syneos Health and BMW. Ruth Pappadakis said:

“Being involved with Raise has helped us do our bit alongside fellow employers in our heartland to support young people."

“It’s one of several ways we partner with CMP on behalf of the local community. We also arrange company volunteering days for team members through CMP. Most recently, these have included grounds improvement in a school playground, maintenance at a hospice and a leaf-clearing day outside a respite centre for families in crisis.

“We also take part in CMP’s annual Twilight Runway Challenge in aid of a variety of charities.”