connectED is The Switch’s virtual offer to schools in TH during the school closures 2020-21, featuring webinars and videos to support young peoples’ understanding of the world of work while enhancing their employability and core skills. Supported by business volunteers, each video provides an insight into the world of work and encounters with a range of employers.
Below you can find resources for primary and secondary education, including: Super Speakers, Inspirational Speakers and ‘Day in the Life’ videos.
Super Speakers
Super Speakers is a series of talks for upper key stage 2 children. They cover relevant and engaging topics about working life, to increase their understanding on how the skills they’re learning now will benefit them in the future. Supports Gatsby benchmarks: 2, 4 & 5.
Inspirational Speakers
Inspirational Speakers is a series of webinars for secondary and sixth form students. They cover relevant and engaging topics that focus on developing skills that they can benefit from now, as well as how they can be utilised during employment. As the webinars are supported by business volunteers, students can hear direct advice and insight into a range of sectors. Supports Gatsby benchmarks: 2 & 5.
Day in the Life
Bite-size videos that aim to broaden young peoples’ understanding of the world of work and help stimulate their thoughts about future career routes. Supports Gatsby benchmarks: 2, 5 & 6.
Seperated into ‘Primary’ and ‘Secondary’ as a guide, but all videos are suitable and engaging for all ages.
The Power of Reading
To celebrate National Storytelling Week, this talk consists of business professionals sharing their experiences of reading in the working world and encourage a lifetime love of reading.
The Power of Maths
To celebrate National Number Day, this talk consists of business professionals talking about the benefits of developing maths skill now and for future employment.
The Power of Science and Technology
To celebrate International Women in Science Day, this talk focuses on the power of science and technology skills in the working world and how these skills will be vital for the future.
The Power of the Working World
To celebrate National Careers Week, this talk focuses on the power of the working world and careers. With business professionals giving insight into their days and the things they love about their jobs.
The Power of STEM
This talk has our Super Speakers talking about their jobs in STEM, in celebration of British Science Week. Discover how they use STEM at work and how you can apply your STEM skills in your future job.
The Power of Super Speaking
This talk includes top tips and advice from business professionals as you listen to their experiences with public speaking. Discover how they overcame their public speaking challenges to become Super Speakers!
The Power of Teamwork
Listen to our Super Speakers as they share their achievements of when they used the power of teamwork.
Developing Future Resilience: Tips for your Wellbeing
A talk from business professionals with helpful tips on how to manage your wellbeing at school and work in the future.
Skills for Success – Applications and Interviews
Advice from business professionals on how to successfully apply for future jobs and impressing in interviews.
Transitions Talk: University and Apprenticeships
A talk from business professionals about the transition from school to apprenticeships and university.
Find Your Future
Advice and insight from apprentices and graduates as a part of National Careers Week. Including personal experiences on how our volunteers navigated to the jobs they are in today.
Changes and Challenges
To celebrate #InternationalWomensDay2021 this talk discusses the stereotypes and challenges women face. Business volunteers share real experiences and provide practical solutions to support young women.
Unmute! Acing Online Interviews
Gain practical tips and advice on how to ace an online video interview in preparation for your future college, university and/or job application – including an interview role play from our business professionals.
Perspectives and Progress
Find out about the importance of hiring young talent and hear from emerging leaders who are eager to share their ideas.
A Day in the Life of a… Artist Relations Manager
Sheniece from YouTube talks us through a day in her life as an Artist Relations Manager.
A Day in the Life of a… Personal Assistant
Saba from a London law firm talks us through a day in her life as a Personal Assistant.
A Day in the Life of a… Ophthalmologist (Eye Doctor)
Mr Moley Dey from Maidstone Hospital talks us through a day in his life as an Ophthalmologist (eye doctor).
A Day in the Life of a... Games Writer
Seema talks us through a day in her life as a Games Writer at Wooga.
A Day in the Life of a... Digital Marketer
Paula talks us through a day in her life as a Digital Marketer at Howden.
A Day in the Life of a... Entrepreneur
Raj talks us through a day in his life as an entrepreneur.
A Day in the Life of a... Primary School Teacher
Mrs Brookbank talks us through a day in her life as a teacher at a primary school.
A Day in the Life of a… Investment Strategist
Karim from an asset management firm talks us through a day in his life as an Investment Strategist.
A Day in the Life of a… Senior Marketing Executive
Amita from British Standards Institution (BSI) talks us through a day in her life as a Senior Marketing Executive.
A Day in the Life of a… Data Analyst
Anita from an investment banking company talks us through a day in her life as a Data Analyst.
A Day in the Life of a... Operations and General Management Graduate
Tom talks us through a day in his life as an Operations and General Management Graduate at Network Rail.
A Day in the Life of a... HR Director
Louise talks us through a day in her life as a HR Director at ADM.
A Day in the Life of a... Research Analyst
Miriam talks us through a day in her life as a Research Analyst at an investment bank.
A Day in the Life of a... Credit Control Manager
Kirat talks us through a day in her life as a credit control manager at an insurance company in The City of London.
