| For the last twelve years Alan & Denise have managed an Industry Week on behalf of South Tyneside College in South Shields. Business Students from Year 12 spend the week involved in a series of challenging hands-on scenarios. These involve Communications, Finance, Production, Quality, Negotiation Skills & Marketing.
The programme introduces skills not normally taught in the classroom. It builds confidence, promotes networking & teamwork and improves presentational skills.
Best Kept Secrets also have strong links with Newcastle University and Entrust, a Tyneside based business development organisation. Work Experience is offered to university undergraduates through a variety of challenging projects.
This work was rewarded in February 2006, when Best Kept Secrets won ‘Best Provider of Work Experience 2005-06’ in the ‘under ten’ employees category awarded by The National Council for Work Experience plus the ‘Overall Best Provider Award’ beating blue chip companies like BP, Toyota and the BBC.
Alan and Denise
Edwards strive to ensure that young people are given the chance and the right platform to gain experience in the workplace. Their work with Tyneside College, giving practical business talks to students has enabled them to give advice and business knowledge to a wide range of people.
They also have close links with Newcastle and Leeds Universities, and also with Entrust (Shell Step), giving University graduates and undergraduates the opportunity to work in a small business environment, by gaining experience in marketing, finance and production. |
'I have been very impressed by Alan and Denise's real understanding of the importance of work experience to our students employability post graduation. Projects are well structured and each student is given support and encouragement to take ownership from day one. They have recognised the benefits of bringing in 'fresh' talent who can contribute to the
company's operations, profits and marketing activity'.
Ingrid Henderson
National Business Manager
Careers Service Newcastle University
Best Kept Secrets Won ‘Best Provider of Work Experience 2005/06’, awarded by the National Council for Work Experience in the ‘under ten employees’ category plus the Top Award beating blue chip companies like BP, Toyota and the BBC.
“Experience Works North East gave me the experience and confidence I needed. As a student you learn theory but my placement allowed me to put theory in to practice”
Samantha Hope
Marketing Graduate
Newcastle University
“Best Kept Secrets has benefited from giving their placement undergraduate a real project with clearly defined outcomes. Marketing is vital to the success of any business and for rural businesses the internet is an obvious route to market. Experience Works North East allows companies to get their project right and make it work for them.”
Pam Clark
Graduate Business Solutions |
+44 (0)1670 789797
