Teach First Taster Programme Review

I loved this insight placement, it allowed me to learn lots more about the company, was fun and exciting but also very educational. The company made the placement as good as it could possibly be for us and made sure we were well looked after and supported during our time there. I really enjoyed my time with Teach First and would definitely be interested in working further with Teach First because of this placement.

I was made to feel as though the company valued me and was giving me the chance to learn more about them in order to prepare me to be part of their company full time when I complete my degree. They gave me chance to be involved with everything that was going on and continue to keep in touch with me to give me more information and check up on me. I felt very welcome and well looked after with Teach First.

The insight was focused on providing us with guidance towards our future and particularly our future with teach first. I was given a huge amount of support and guidance, before, during and after the insight programme. I couldn't have asked for more help and support from the staff and I was given the chance to learn more not only about the company but also about myself and my skills, and I was guided through this process effectively.

The whole programme focused on the key skills that Teach First (and many other companies/organisations) require from their staff. This means that I have been able to build a number of key skills which will undoubtedly serve me with a better chance of success in my degree, in job applications and in future careers. So therefore I believe that the skills I gained from this programme will assist me hugely in my future.

The insight was very short and so consequently, was very well structured. The team ensured that we were given all the skills, all the information and all the opportunities that we needed during the short time that we were there. There was just the right amount of time given to each element of the insight.

The atmosphere was a very positive one. The time we had with Teach First was very fun and exciting, we were given time to mingle with one another in order to build a friendly and positive environment. The whole office seemed to exude an atmosphere of positivity and of excitement for what they were doing. They seemed as though they were just happy to see more people excited by what they were doing.

The company 100% invested what they could into us. We were given help with everything we were doing and following the program the company is still offering us personal development support and advice via email and telephone calls. It feels as though they have developed a relationship with us and are now guiding us further and helping us to develop and learn from what we did with them and what we're doing at university too.

The company gave us a clear understanding of what is expected from their graduate employees on the Leadership Development Programme and we were even given the opportunity to complete a practice lesson similar to what it would be like if we were working for Teach First. We were given plenty of information and were given a chance to hear from those who recently engaged in the programme we were interested in applying for about their experience. I feel now that I know a lot more about the graduate opportunities than I did before.

The company appears to me to be about using what they have for the good of others. The employees are all very passionate about what they do, and they made that clear to us while we were engaging in the insight. We were given the chance to gain our own passion for what Teach First do and were invited to learn more about why they were so passionate. I definitely feel I now better understand the company's culture.

The day guided me in what a career path with Teach First would actually be like. I learn so much about the company's LDP that I know have a better idea about whether I would like to apply to work for them, and whether teaching is for me. I was also given more information about their partner companies and charities, allowing me to explore other options as well.

We were provided with accommodation in a local Travelodge for the night, meaning that those of us who were required to travel had somewhere to stay, we were also reimbursed for all of our travel costs and we had all of our meals during the programme provided and any extra required materials were provided for us.

The course was led by employees of the firm, and due to the offices being very open and the employees being around the area, we were able to mingle with current and potential future employees in a similar position to us, during our time at the company. We were given plenty of chance to learn more about their experiences of the company and what their opinions of the program were. They were also all very supportive of us and happy to talk to us about anything.

There were chances to spend time with employees and other insight participants during meal times particularly, we all ate meals together and were able to chat during these. We were also given an opportunity to network with other companies and charities who were willing to give us opportunities to work with them at a networking event on the final day.

We were introduced to the opportunity of being able to engage in placements during our summers, and the chance to engage in extra curricular activities at the schools we are placed in. We were also reassured about the idea of moving to a new and unfamiliar place by the idea of moving in with other employees in a similar position to us in Teach First recommended housing.

I would definitely recommend the programme to a friend. I learnt a great deal from being involved in the programme and was given a great chance to be involved in the company overall. The support I was provided with was fantastic and I will definitely be interested in working with Teach First in the future. It is definitely a programme I am glad I was involved with and would encourage anyone to be a part of.