Thinking about the future

Wellingborough based business Scott Bader, is a global manufacturer of adhesives, resins, gelcoats and speciality polymers. 12-months ago Hannah Lok, Human Resources Adviser at Scott Bader heard about the opportunity to give something back to the local community and couldn’t resist.

“Using my expertise to give something back”

“You always hear about school budgets getting cut, so how do we expect schools to be able to deliver high-quality careers advice? Joining the Enterprise Adviser Network was my opportunity to use my expertise to give something back to my local community.”

Since joining the network, Hannah has been involved in various careers activities within schools. These include delivering ‘working world’ lessons, speaking at assemblies on apprenticeships, supporting students to write CVs and working to prepare students for interviews.

“The last class I led was a group of engineering students. I was delivering a session on how their in-class engineering work relates to the engineering industry and businesses. While doing the session, I could see in their faces that the correlation was starting to click.”

“Staying in touch”

“Personally, I think that the most rewarding thing about working with students is hearing how your advice and guidance has helped them to progress into work. I’ve had students contact me to tell me they’ve got an interview or been offered a job. Hearing their excitement and knowing that I helped make that happen is amazing.”

“I’ve become more confident, and noticed a huge difference in my presentation skills”

Hannah has found that by working with local schools and colleges her employer has benefitted and she has developed personally. She has raised awareness of the business and has improved her own presentation and delivery skills.

“Since I’ve been involved in the network, we’ve had loads of other people interested in getting involved. Later this year, we will be delivering an adhesives lesson, bringing our own industry experts to lead the session.”

“It’s really exciting to know that you are making a difference."

What would your advice be for another SME thinking of giving an hour?

“Working with schools is so rewarding. It develops your corporate social responsibility and gives you a sense of achievement. I cannot recommend getting involved enough!”

Give an hour

Benefit your future workforce by giving an hour.