Employability Points Students and I were lucky enough to be able to go on a company experience day with Kent County Council in Maidstone. The experience day was to show how democracy works in local Government.
To begin with, we had a session with Bryan Sweetland – the current chairman of the Council, he outlined his role in the council and what charities he was involved with as part of the council. Following this, we had a panel of members explaining each of their roles and how they contributed toward maintaining democracy in local government, as well as scenarios which could happen in an election cycle and whether they were suitable for the local government or officials to release to the public. This was especially important as we had an election earlier in the year!
We had a guided tour throughout the entire council building from one of the previous chairmen. We got to see the building and history of the building was explained throughout. While we were going around the building, we had a moment to ask questions of the current graduates.
We went to lunch afterwards and then moved over to the council chamber for the final few sessions and quiz. There was an opportunity to speak to the graduates further and had an explanation of how the council supports the local community with events.
The students had some insightful questions and enjoyed the presence of people integral to maintaining democracy in local government. Additionally, Jill, our contact over at KCC, was incredible. The calling of an early general election affected the overall day, but she rescheduled and moved sessions to make sure that the experience day was still going to happen and allowed our students an insight into how democracy is upheld.
KCC has a work experience placement through the Employability Points scheme. Find out more about Kent County Council here; https://www.kent.gov.uk/
