A GROUP of students have been finding out what employers are looking for as part of a project which asks important questions about education.

Ipswich Star: Matt Riches, from the highways department at the Suffolk County Council along with Councillor Graham Newman, talks with Year 11 pupils from Holbrook High School during a trip to the council as part of a video project the school is doing with Offshoot Foundation.Matt Riches, from the highways department at the Suffolk County Council along with Councillor Graham Newman, talks with Year 11 pupils from Holbrook High School during a trip to the council as part of a video project the school is doing with Offshoot Foundation. (Image: Archant)

Year 11 pupils at Holbrook High School have visited nine businesses around the county as part of their Who Asks Us? project.

The student-led project aims to boost the teenagers’ confidence and self-esteem and address topical educational issues.

The students are working with Jill Barton of Giving Young People A Voice and Paul Press of the Offshoot Foundation to create a film using their findings.

The group has visited nine businesses throughout January and February – Suffolk Food Hall, Hadleigh Castings, Jim Lawrence (Hadleigh), Waitrose, John Lewis, Ipswich Hospital, Ensors Accountants, Suffolk One and Suffolk County Council – to find out what employers are looking for.

Jill Barton said: “The employers have really welcomed the visits and the students have learnt so much about the businesses and what they can offer.

“Most of all they have been able to ask questions and indeed interviewed senior management about what employers such as themselves need from students apart from good qualifications.”

The students now have to edit their four months of filming ahead of a screening of the finished film at the school on March 26, with a Question Time session chaired by Rachel Sloane. Panel members will be MP Ben Gummer, councillor David Wood, Ken MacDonald of Waitrose, school governor Jane Gould and student Callum Frogley.