Taster Programme Review

I really enjoyed the insight programme. I thought that because it was online due to covid 19, that it might be less enjoyable, but I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed the 2 day experience. It was really nice getting to know my peers and this was done really well even though it was online, and I also enjoyed having discussions with people who had already completed the teach first programme too as they provided useful insight.

I felt really valued by teach first. They were always keen to hear our feedback, and created sessions with engaging discussions to hear opinion so that we felt more valued. An example of this was a discussion about problems in education, where we had to present our views to each other. Teach First helped to use our own opinions to lead some of the sessions, showing the collaborative nature of the organisation and this highlights the value they give to us.

We were given lots of support and guidance throughout the insight programme. Before hand and during the application process there was a lot of support, just to get on to the programme. The insight was done via zoom due to covid, and even then we felt supportive. There was always a chance to ask questions and to discuss our thoughts, and if there were any problems we knew throughout who to contact and how to reach them.

The skills developed were really useful, even if you decide not to go into teaching which I think makes the programme even more appealing. Skills such as engaging with others professionally (with the added bonus of doing so online), time management and organisation receiving and giving feedback as well as others are all massive transferable skills. Whats more is that these skills were structured into the programme in different ways making them even easier to develop.

The insight was extremely well structured, with some sessions structured right down to the particular minute. This was necessary given that we were on zoom and it is easy to go over time when put in to small virtual rooms. We were also given plenty of breaks which was important given being on zoom can be super tiring, and as the programme was during the heatwave! The structure really helped the day run smoothly and get everything done.

The general atmosphere was really positive, especially considering the insight was done via zoom and during the heatwave! The emphasis was really on personal growth, and because many of the sessions were about us giving our opinion and discussing ideas the atmosphere was really friendly, collaborative and a nice learning environment. We were able to build a rapport with other people on the programme which helped to boost the general atmosphere and make people feel more welcome.

The firm invested time in us across the two days, helping us to improve on our skills. The company has key 'competencies' and they focused sessions on each of these to allow us to improve on these skills across the sessions. These competencies include time management, organisation.

Teach first did a really good job of helping us to understand what it would be like to complete the 2 year programme with them to become a teacher. The stand out point for this was the session where we taught a lesson and then received feedback, but also through sessions with people who had completed the course or were doing it currently as they provided really useful and honest feedback and insight into the role.

The insight helped me to understand company culture really well. Largely this was due to the focus on the 'competencies' that were the main focus of the two day programme, with each session working on improving those skills. Also, there were opportunities to speak to numerous teach first staff and people who had completed the programme and it was clear to see they were dedicated professionals highlighting the company culture. We also received feedback from some of the professionals too which enhanced this experience.

The content was really useful, although I am still undecided on my career path the insight programme did give a good insight into what it would be like to work for teach first.

The insight programme was online so need for reimbursement.

Yes, there were lots of opportunities to meet employees. This was done through a range of structured sessions, such as question and answer sessions and more general presentations from other employees. We were able to talk to people in a wide range of roles, sectors and with different experience who each provided an honest account of their experiences with the organisation. We were also able to network with a few organisations outside the firm too.

The networking and social opportunities were really good considering the programme was on zoom. Social wise, there was a quiz which allowed everyone to chat and get to know each other. During the day we were also placed in a variety of groups to try and mix with a range of people which was good. Networking wise there were a few sessions throughout with people in different stages and roles in their career who we could ask questions to, which was really useful.

Not really, but we found out about lots of opportunities inside and outside of the organisation work wise which was the main aim.

Yes, I 100% would recommend this programme to a friend if they were even remotely considering a job in the education sector. The programme gave a wide overview of the problems in the sector and the way the organisation is trying to fix them, as well as some first hand teaching experience - all of which made it a really valuable experience. The skills learnt during the programme are really transferable too so even if you don't decide to work for the organisation it is still really useful.