St David’s Trio Become Bosses At Broughton

Three 14 year old pupils from St David’s High School at Saltney became bosses  during one of the busiest meeting days of the year at Broughton Shopping Park. And there was a distinctly green flavour to some of the decisions that they were able to participate in.
 
The three budding managers, Sam Jenkins, Lauren Faulkner and Jack Benyon, showed flair and interest when they were asked to comment on proposed environmental plans for the Park. They also participated in health and safety and  building improvement meetings, as well as visiting some of the shops.
 
Then it was back to the office to prepare a report on their projects. Colin Gilligan, Manager at Broughton Shopping Park, explains the outcome: “Sam, Lauren and Jack showed real insight and intelligence, and had a particular feel for the environmental improvements that are so important to the Park’s operation.”
 
'Be the Boss' is a work experience initiative designed by Broughton Shopping Park to give year 10 students direct experience of senior management roles at the crucial juncture between Key Stages 3 and 4 of the National Curriculum. This is the third year that the Shopping Park has run  the scheme with St David’s,
 
The emphasis is on realism and, to be chosen, pupils had to undergo an application, selection and interview process that fully reflected what happens in the adult world. Sam, Lauren and Jack were the successful candidates who ‘got the job’.
 
Was the “day” a success? Sam expressed the views of all 3 when he said: “I had a fantastic day. It taught me a lot, about management and myself, and especially about costings.”

Photo shows (left-right) Karl Rigby (operations manager at Broughton Shopping Park), Jack Benyon, Sam Williams and Lauren Faulkner