Sellick Partnership sponsors StateTalking to help Manchester schools

It was back to the classroom for Sellick Partnership after we pledged support to a charity that is raising the aspirations of Manchester school students.

Our sponsorship of StateTalking means that it can now offer free talks from inspirational role models to more state schools and help a larger number to set up their own alumni networks.

Keen to also get involved first-hand, we sent our Managing Director and Founder, Jo Sellick, and Head of Talent Acquisition & Wellbeing, Simon Briffa, to a Manchester school where they spoke to some year 10 and 11 students.

Jo and Simon chatted with the group of 30 students from St Matthew's RC High School about the key skills young people need to succeed in their future careers. They discussed the importance of both CV preparation and interview skills.

Jo also spoke about his entrepreneurial journey and how his self-employed dad was his role model.

Jo said: "Speaking to the students was a pretty daunting experience -14-16 year olds are definitely not my usual audience. But it was really enjoyable and both myself and Simon would like to talk to more school groups in the future.

"Sellick Partnership is committed to supporting StateTalking with its vital work, getting Manchester students excited about their future careers, opening eyes and raising aspirations".

Mrs Helen Murden, Head at St Matthews RC High School, said: "Jo and Simon gave a fascinating talk about careers in recruitment, talking about their own personal journeys as well as routes that current students might take to get into the industry.

"The students really appreciated them taking the time to come and speak to us and I am sure there will now be some amongst their number considering a career in recruitment."

Fran Kennedy, founder of StateTalking, said: "It is very exciting to have Sellick Partnership on board. With their support, we will be able to expand the number of inspirational careers talks we deliver in state schools as well as picking up the pace on our work helping schools to develop alumni networks."

StateTalking was established in 2020 to address the aspiration and opportunity gap between state school and privately educated students in Manchester. The charity brings relatable career role models into state schools, as well as helping them to develop and make the most of their own networks of alumni.