Students discuss the impact of Covid-19 on jobs and education

The MP for Norwich North, Chloe Smith, co-hosted a focus group of students of Hellesdon High School discussing their thoughts about their future opportunities in the light of the Covid 19 pandemic.

Chloe was joined by Julia Nix, District Manager for the Department of Work and Pensions for East Anglia, Corrienne Peasgood, Principal of City College Norwich, and Emilie Brown, Member of Youth Parliament for Norwich North, with students of Hellesdon High School.

The group held a wide-ranging discussion about the effects that the pandemic had had on the end of their schooling careers. One student talked about this summer’s unfamiliar grading system, keen that grades are accurate so as to get the next step that they want. Another student spoke about postponing her university studies to embark on a gap year, because she is keen to get a face-to-face university experience rather than online courses.

Regarding looking for work, another student said that he was “looking for anything at the moment, to just try and get something for now and then eventually see what plays out and what I can do”.

Chloe Smith, MP for Norwich North, who is founder and chair of the Norwich for Jobs project, commented, “I’m really grateful to these young people for taking the time to talk to us. For them and their peers, the pandemic has hit at a pivotal moment in their lives. That’s why I am determined that through the Norwich for Jobs project, plus the government support that the Chancellor outlined last month, this generation should be given every possible opportunity to thrive.”

To find out how to get involved with the Norwich for Jobs project as an employer or a young person looking for work please e-mail info@norwichforjobs.org.uk.

Chloe and the Norwich for Jobs team will host a further focus group in September.