Harrow College students develop their employability skills with support from Lloyds TSB and Careers Academy
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- Created on 03 October 2012
Neil Tuck, Bank Manager at Lloyds TSB, Harrow has been working with Harrow College students as a mentor as part of the Careers Academy program. The program aims to provide young people with practical business skills by providing mentors, 'guru lectures' from industry professionals and internships.
He also took on an intern in his branch and arranged for four internships to take place in Lloyds TSB branches in the local area.
Neil became a mentor after accepting an invite to the Careers Academy launch at the College last year. After seeing how committed and enthusiastic the students were he realised he could contribute to helping them develop their potential.
Last Friday A-level student Vidhi Shah who completed a six week internship with Lloyds TSB during the summer presented Neil with a Careers Academy supporter's certificate in recognition of the invaluable support he has given.
Neil praised Vidhi's professionalism during her internship and her ability to perform a range of tasks to an outstanding level including leading a group presentation to directors at Lloyds TSB's head office in central London, dealing with customer queries on the busy welcome desk and accurately preparing figures for the manager. Neil commented " Vidhi and the other four students developed their confidence, professional and communication skills and awareness of themselves. They were honest, diligent and punctual. Customers didn't notice the difference between the students and staff." Vidhi proved herself to be so much of an asset that Lloyds TSB is now hoping to offer her a part time job in the branch which would set her on the path to fulfilling her ambition to work in finance.
Neil along with four other Lloyds TSB managers will be working alongside Harrow College again this year and are hoping to be able to offer more internships this year.
"We are adding value, they're improving their skills and it's fun too. The students bring a fresh perspective, they are aware of technology and full of ideas on how we can improve," Neil said.
