Inspiring the Next Generation: Contract Personnel at UTCN and East Norfolk Sixth Form College
Our Marketing Manager, Joe Randlesome, recently had the pleasure of delivering interactive careers talks at East Norfolk Sixth Form College and more recently at University Technical College Norfolk. These sessions were all about helping students understand the world of careers, CVs, LinkedIn, and networking and giving them practical tips to start building their professional futures.
Joe’s approach was a mix of fun, personal storytelling (with some terrible jokes) and hands-on advice, designed to show students that every experience counts, from part-time jobs to volunteering.
From his first job at a Lowestoft ice cream shop to reporting for the BBC, writing for local newspapers like the Eastern Daily Press and now leading the marketing at Contract Personnel, Joe shared a wealth of real-world examples. Students got to hear about the skills Joe developed along the way – communication, teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving – and how these are transferable across industries.
One key message resonated throughout both talks: your first job or any experience teaches skills you can use forever. Whether it’s selling ice cream, helping at a zoo, or managing social media campaigns, every opportunity helps build your employability.
Joe also highlighted the power of LinkedIn, showing students how to start early, build connections, and make themselves visible to employers – even if they haven’t decided on a career yet. His own experience of posting about his talks and seeing hundreds of likes and thousands of impressions demonstrated the platform’s impact.
Networking, CV building, and presenting yourself professionally were also covered, with practical takeaways:
- Turn every experience into a skill
- Start building your professional presence early
- Be curious, polite, and memorable
- Don’t be afraid to try, fail, and learn
At Contract Personnel, we’re proud to support the next generation of talent in Norfolk and Suffolk, not just by matching people to jobs, but by sharing knowledge and guidance on how to stand out, be confident and get noticed.
We’re grateful to UTCN and East Norfolk Sixth Form College for welcoming us and giving students the chance to engage in these sessions. The energy, questions, and curiosity from the students were inspiring – and a reminder of why sharing our experiences matters.
If your school or college would like to host a session like this, or if students want advice on CVs, LinkedIn, or careers, get in touch with us at Contract Personnel – we’re always happy to help shape inspiring futures.
