NFRC Member, M&J Group, delivers successful ‘Taste of the Workplace’ pilot project at Daubeney Academy

On Thursday 2 July, Year 9 students from Daubeney Academy were welcomed to a hands-on workshop with M&J Group where they were faced with a brief to build a roofing rig, delivering a marketing proposal, and present their final project whilst explaining how they estimated the cost, met the budget, and their reason for choosing the materials used. 

The pilot project, run by 4YP UK Ltd and proudly supported by Bedford Giving was a valuable opportunity to deliver early exposure to the working environment, giving students a range of tasks that encourage independent thinking and learning, teamwork, and an invitation to work alongside industry professionals with the chance to ask questions and hear real-life experiences. 

This fully comprehensive experience engaged students across a multitude of different skills used in the roofing sector, beyond the practical experience of being on the tools. The session was delivered by team members from across the M&J Group, including the marketing department, recruitment, the pitched roofing manager, and current apprentices on-hand to help the students across each of the tasks. 

Students were enthusiastic to learn and worked well in teams to complete the brief, with Paula Riding, Careers Mentoring Coordinator at 4YP UK saying, “The students loved it and were so engaged, and it was so lovely to see them having a go at all the trades and showing off their skills – they were amazingly good!” 

NFRC is proud to have supported M&J Group in delivering the workshop and congratulate the team on their success in launching what we hope will be the first of many events of this kind. 

Speaking on the value of the project, M&J Group said, “At M&J Group, we believe that early exposure to the workplace can have a lasting impact.  

“We’re committed to helping young people make informed choices, develop skills, and see what’s possible for their future.”