Join our Young People's Panel
Applications for this year’s panel are now closed.
Our Young People’s Panel is an exciting work experience opportunity for sixth formers and Year 11 students across our region.
Students who join our Young People's Panel see the inner workings of a major company, spend time with like-minded students from across the region, and can have their say on real business challenges.
Those taking part in previous panels suggested various business ideas including:
- a cashback guarantee for new water meter customers - this initiative went live in early 2018
- a digital job tracker
- a sewer blockage prevention campaign which was rolled out during freshers' week.
Our Young People's Panel was an industry first initiative when it was first set up in 2016 and was named as a finalist in the 2018 Institute of Customer Services Customer Satisfaction Award.
What you'll experience
Panellists spend a day at our operations centre, learning about the company and spending time with directors and senior managers before being set real-life tasks.
After their first visit, they go away to prepare for their second visit when they pitch their ideas in Apprentice-style presentations.
Sue Lindsay, Director of customer policy and engagement, says: "The seven panels we have run proved a big success with some really bright young minds contributing some ideas which we have implemented as a business."
"As well as gaining first-hand experience of what is involved in running of one of the largest businesses in our region, the panel gives the students involved a unique opportunity to kickstart a career in the world of business."
The benefits of becoming a panellist
Panellists have a real influence on the decisions made by senior management as well as:
- see inside the workings of a major business
- meet senior leaders
- meet other like-minded sixth formers from around the region
- get a formal reference for use in UCAS or apprenticeship applications
- get a £100 reward for taking part.
Want to know more?
If you have any questions about the panel application process, contact Kathrynn Zhang at Blue Marble Research directly by emailing wwpanel@bluemarbleresearch.co.uk or call 07708 470053.