Employer Takeover Week – New College Pontefract

November 26, 2025

Employer Takeover Week is an event for Year 13 students designed to increase their awareness of the world of work and to provide an opportunity to develop transferable employability skills. Year 13 students attended an employer workshop as part of their tutorial programme. Five organisations took part with each employer delivering workshops to approximately 300 students across each day. We were joined this year by Next, Morrisons, Mid Yorks-NHS, Haribo and Yorkshire and Humber Regional Organised Crime Unit.

Each employer presented to the students about their organisation, their values and behaviours, the range of careers available and what an employer looks for in an applicant. The employer spoke about entry routes into these career areas, including any apprenticeship opportunities available. Students then worked together in teams to complete a group task which replicated the skills required in this organisation, which involved activities such as presenting to their peers, creating a marketing campaign, making a business case, and working on a previous criminal case.

A number of the employers were part of the New College Pontefract Alumni group so could speak about their career journey so far and were able to relate to the current students as they understood what it was like to be in their place.

Quote:

“Gaining direct experience with an employer is so valuable to raise student aspirations and discover careers they may have never considered before. Having an appreciation of what an organisation looks for in an applicant supports students to make strong applications to apprenticeships and future employment.”

Helen Lonsdale, Progression Manager