Students complete work experience at the Chamber

Two students from Balaam Wood Academy, part of the King Edward VI (KEVI) foundation, have completed work experience placements at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC).

Coordinated by Francesca Thomas, executive administrator at GBCC, the one-week placement gave David and Genna, both in Year 10, insight into the work of the 11 different departments at the Chamber:

• HR
• International
• Membership & New Business
• Patrons
• Marketing & Events
• Finance
• Translations
• IT
• Press & PR
• Documentation
• Policy

They spent each day with a different team learning more about each department, their day-to-day tasks and how they play a part in supporting over 2,500 members across the Greater Birmingham region.

During the week, the students were given the opportunity to attend a Patron event - the most prestigious level of membership at the Chamber.

Hosted by Deb Leary, president of GBCC and founder of Pathways Group alongside Greg Lowson, partner and head of office at Pinsent Masons, the students joined attendees at a networking event at the Pinsents Masons Birmingham offices.

David and Genna heard from Dr Nik Kotecha OBE, chief executive and founder at Morningside Pharmaceuticals, who delivered an inspiring talk titled 'Garage to Global ' in which he spoke on his entrepreneurial journey.

What began in a garage in the 1990s, Morningside is now a leading manufacturer, wholesaler and exporter of generic medicines and healthcare products which has exported to more than 120 countries globally and has over 240 generic and branded licensed medicines in the UK and EU.

Alongside this, the students researched and delivered presentations to a group of Chamber colleagues using current research from the Policy Team. David presented on how the Russia/ Ukraine conflict is affecting businesses and Genna on how environmental issues are impacting businesses.

At an early stage of considering career paths, David has a keen interest in accountancy and Genna expressed an interest in psychology.

After talking to James Paddock who has successfully completed his apprenticeship with the Chamber as a documentation officer, the students learnt first-hand about this further education pathway and will consider schemes alongside A-Levels.

On completing her work experience week, Genna said: “I really and truly enjoyed my time at the Chamber, everyone was incredibly kind and made me feel so welcome. ”

Francesca said: “I 'm glad David and Genna found their experience so worthwhile at the Chamber. Having worked among our 11 departments, as well as attending a Patron event, they 've covered so much in the space of one week.

“I hope the experience has made them feel more knowledgeable and confident as they enter the next steps in their education. It was a pleasure to have both with us! ”

Pictured (l-r): Deb Leary OBE, Genna, Dr Nik Kotecha OBE , David and Greg Lowson at the 'Garage to Global ' patron event.