BUPA staff could have future 'apprentices' on their hand
13 September 2007
You're hired! In scenes reminiscent of Alan Sugar's The Apprentice, students on BUPA's Career Academy programme are being taught about the ins and outs of the business world by senior staff at BUPA UK Health Insurance's Salford Quays offices in Manchester.
The four students were hired through BUPA's link with the UK Career Academy Foundation (UKCAF) – a national movement of employers, schools and colleges that develops the skills and knowledge of 16 to 19 year-olds considering a career in business. Many of the students who belong to the foundation have had limited opportunities due to their socio-economic background or lack of success when studying at secondary school. More than 85 percent of Career Academy students go on to higher education, compared to 40 percent who were predicted to do so before joining the programme.
The paid six-week internships at BUPA take place between the first and second years of each of the interns' A-level qualifications.
BUPA's Victoria Redshaw, who is co-ordinating the programme, said: "This scheme gets away from the perception that work experience for young people should just involve making the tea and photocopying."
"We are giving them a real challenge that will help build their business awareness and improve personal skills such as communication, decision-making and problem-solving."
"It's also a chance for BUPA to give something back to the community and we will be taking the opportunity to seek feedback from the students to help us learn about ourselves and the way we work. Each of the pupils has the support of a BUPA mentor and which provides invaluable experience for our staff."
The BUPA mentors guide the students and help them make a real contribution to the organisation. David Barnet, one of the four academy students, said: "I've been given quite a bit of responsibility, which I've welcomed and I've gained a good understanding of what people do here.
"My most notable project has involved gathering and formatting data that will help BUPA to improve sales predictions. I have also been updating and creating an analysis tool that will provide monthly updates to other departments."
It's been helpful to talk to the staff here about how they have developed their careers and to hear their suggestions for getting ahead in a company like BUPA."
Career Academy students follow a rigorous two-year business-related curriculum and attend the academies at their local schools and colleges. These offer a fully accredited programme, equivalent to three A-levels, with business studies at the core.
The Career Academy scheme has had success across many other international businesses since its launch in 2002. This is the first year that BUPA has taken part in the programme and, judging by the success of the project, it certainly won't be the last.
Ruth Griffiths, programme director for UKCAF, said: "The programme would not work without supporters like BUPA. Internships are the icing on the cake for the students, enabling them to get a real feel for a career in business."
The UK Career Academy aims to give the students invaluable experience whilst adapting to the working environment within specialist firms and organisations. BUPA may just have an 'Apprentice' in the making!
