Norwich for Jobs hosts student discussion on the impact of Covid-19 on jobs and education

The MP for Norwich North, Chloe Smith, co-hosted a focus group of students of Heartsease’s Open Academy discussing their thoughts about their future opportunities in the light of the Covid 19 pandemic. 

 

Chloe was joined by Norwich for Jobs colleagues Julia Nix, District Manager for the Department of Work and Pensions for East Anglia, and Jerry White, Deputy Principal of City College Norwich, with Year 13 students from Open Academy. 

 

The group held a wide-ranging discussion about the effects that the pandemic had had on the end of their schooling careers. Pupils reported that they are hoping to do their exams in 2021 and are currently working on their mock exams.  

 

Pupils also spoke of having to get to grips with working remotely and managing motivation. 

 

Some students felt more inclined to apply to the UEA for higher education as it is more local and familiar. More pupils are also looking at apprenticeships to get straight into working. 

 

Chloe Smith, MP for Norwich North, who is founder and chair of the Norwich for Jobs project, commented, “I’m really grateful to these young people for taking the time to talk to us. For them and their peers, the pandemic has hit at a pivotal moment in their lives. That’s why I am determined that through the Norwich for Jobs project, plus the government support through Kickstart and other schemes, this generation should get every possible opportunity to thrive.” 

 

To find out how to get involved with the Norwich for Jobs project as an employer or a young person looking for work please e-mail info@norwichforjobs.org.uk.