Wigan is a small club with only a handful of active volunteers yet, as well as the normal volunteering activities, it has brought business experience into the local classrooms.

This year they have formed a relationship with Wigan Education Business Partnership (EBP), part of Wigan Education Department, which has proved to be a very good link with local schools, and with Connexions (formally known as Careers Advice). This year, they have concentrated on fostering links between local business and junior schools. This has resulted in the Club helping set up a voluntary after-school mentoring scheme, firstly at Low Hall, and then at Ince C of E Primary School.

Business experience was brought to St John Fisher with a talk to Year 10 pupils about 'Life at work' and the qualities looked for by employers. This was followed by a question & answer session, with pupils asking about life at work in general.

A series of 'Workplace Experience' visits were made to BT by two pupils from St John Fisher Catholic High School as part of their Applied GCSE in ICT. Many thanks to and his team leader (SNY361) for their assistance with this. The school have asked if this can be repeated in 2005/6.

A visit was made to Rose Bridge High School, as part of an 'Industry Workshop', to talk about communication and careers in BT. This consisted of a couple of one hour sessions involving groups from years 10 & 11. Each session was split into 2 parts. The first was a PowerPoint presentation, with information about BT. The lines of business that make up BT Group; the opportunities within BT; qualifications & qualities that BT look for in potential employees; the rewards of working in BT; the role of women in BT. For the second part, the groups were split into smaller groups to play 'Copycat Drawing' as a fun exercise in communication skills.

In case things got too serious, BT Volunteers also acted as facilitators during an Enterprise Day at Shevington High School, where small groups of year10 pupils were given the task of organising a wedding day, with the results being judged by a panel and prizes awarded accordingly. They also took part, for the second year running, in a charity football match at St John Fisher Catholic High School; staff v industry, providing the referee and a player. Many thanks to Dave Forber & Dave Hatton.

Summary and Feedback
A small Club, but still making a big difference to the schools in the area. There are many opportunities to help schools in innovative ways which all support the BT Speaking and Listening agenda.