Taster programme Review

The taster programme was a really enjoyable experience and it gave me great insight into the work that teachfirst do. The day was filled with group building activities which allowed me to engage with other like-minded people whilst learning about education inequality in the UK and all the opportunities available with Teach First.

I felt completely valued and 100% looked after during my time at the Taster programme. Everyone there made me feel so comfortable and overall it was just a lovely, welcoming atmosphere. The staff, the guest speakers and the participants all shared similar visions which made the day really fun and inspiring.

I was given plenty of guidance prior to the taster programme, including information on travel arrangements, the activities of the programme, the preparation that needed to be done, dress code, people to contact etc. I also received a telephone call prior to the day to check if I had any questions, which was extremely helpful.

Prior to the taster programme I was briefly aware of the work that Teach First does however, the taster programme really allowed me to explore and become informed of the work that teach first do. Without going to the taster programme I don't think I would have been aware of all the opportunities that Teach First offer before and after I graduate, so it opened doors for me in terms of career choices.

The programme was very well structured, as we were all given timetables of what was going on each day. We were also given a talk at the beginning of each day about the tasks we would do each day, and everything was thoroughly explained. I new exactly what the day entailed and when it was finishing too.

The atmosphere was amazing, very inspiring and overall just a lovely welcoming experience! Everyone tried their best to make us feel comfortable and it was a really rewarding experience to be surrounded by like-minded people who all want each other to achieve. Although I was nervous beforehand, I soon realised there was no need to be.

At the end of the programme we were given the opportunity to speak and engage with other employers that provide summer, paid and work experience placements, which I found really helpful. There were also a lot of self-reflection tasks and opportunities to sign up for other experiences with Teach first.

The taster programme gave me a full insight into all the amazing opportunities that Teach First offer. I was given thorough information on the different programmes and opportunities that they run, including a role as a brand manager for teach First, their graduate programme and more. People were always on hand to ask questions to as well.

From the beginning of the taster programme I completely understood the comapany's culture as being welcoming, friendly and inspirational. It was clear that all of the staff had the same motivations and visions, which made the experience a positive one. It was also obvious that everyone wanted each other to succeed.

Since going to the taster programme, I applied to be a brand manager for teach first, which I was successful with, thus meaning I have a part time job for my second year of university. I am now also more aware of the graduate opportunity that Teach First offer (the leadership development programme), which for me, is a possible career path that I did not know as much about prior to the programme.

As I live relatively close to the Teach First offices, I did not require them to reimburse my travel arrangements. However, TeachFirst do offer travel reimbursements.

Great! At the end of the taster programme we were given the opportunity to network with other employers and talk to them about summer opportunities, part time work available, and other work schemes that were on offer. Also, we were given talks from people that had previously worked with Teach First and had then gone on to work for their partnership companies, so this broadened my perspectives in terms of career options.

The whole programme allowed me to network and interact with a number of like-minded people who were also participants of the programme. I was also able to speak to people who already work for teach first, and we were given the opportunity to connect with other employers and hear about other opportunities available to us.

At the taster programme, I was given information on other opportunities that teach first offer during the easter holidays (internships). I was also told about an opportunity to be a brand manager, as a part time job for the next year of university, which is a good way to get involved with teachfirst.

I would definitely recommend this programme to a friend. I wouldn't only recommend this to someone who is interested in teaching either, as the opportunites that TeachFirst offer are endless and do not just restrict you to a career in teaching. The programme is worth going to if you are unsure about whether it is for you, as it will help you decide!