Taunton School sixth-former Edward Shattock recently had the exciting enrichment opportunity “to get involved in the running of one of the largest businesses in our region” called Wessex Water’s Young People’s Panel.
After a competitive application process, which included submitting a YouTube video, local Taunton boy Edward was selected for the Panel, which comprised 20 sixth formers (Edward was the only L6th) drawn from schools across the South West.
Panellists participated fully in two Board meetings in September and December, completed a number of individual online tasks and undertook several group activities via a private Facebook group over a four month period.
Edward had the opportunity to listen to briefings from senior executives, devise innovative solutions to real business problems, help Wessex Water understand how services could evolve for future customers and provide feedback on the company’s long term business plans. He also visited a water treatment works and had a tour around science laboratories.Edward and his team presented their final proposals to the Managing Director of Wessex Water Services Ltd and members of the Wessex Water Executive Board at Bath on Monday 5 December. The presentation was a great success and they were awarded 2nd place. The Managing Director praised Edward for the public speaking, creative thinking and problem-solving skills that he displayed under pressure within an actual business environment.
Wessex Water said that the contributions of the panelists were very valuable and that new initiatives are being implemented in response to their ideas and recommendations.
Edward commented:
“This was a unique insight into the world of business for me and I really appreciated the chance to have my voice heard and make a difference at executive level in one of the largest companies in the South West. I am very grateful to Wessex Water for the opportunity and their hospitality and, of course, to Mrs Coomber (Head of Sixth Form) and the Headmaster, Mr Glaser.”
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