Young managers from St Davids will learn to project themselves

Year 9 students at St David’s High School  in Saltney near Chester were given a real taste of  management when they attend a 3-day Young Managers course at nearby Broughton Shopping Park

The course, the inspiration of Park Manager Colin Gilligan, introduces the students to a whole range of vital management skills at a time when they have to start thinking seriously about future study or career options. This year the emphasis will be on self-projection and how they can make a positive impression on people.

The 3 day programme includes communications and presentation skills, team building and problem solving, how to set targets and a general introduction to business and retailing. They even had a go at writing a press release! The students have been guided by recently appointed Broughton Shopping Park Operations Manager,  Karl Rigby.

Karl explains: “We hear in report after report about the importance of the relationship between schools and business. Our objective during these very important three days is to give the students the best impression about retailing as a career, and show them how they need to approach the opportunities that are available.”

Ann Bailey, Head of Year at St David’s, describes the event as one of the most positive external initiatives the school has run. She comments: “Not only have Karl and his team made us feel welcome, but they have also inspired the students to look at things in a fresh way. Work disciplines are completely different to school life, and their experiences and the knowledge they have gained over the full three days is an excellent introduction to the world of work.”