Business and creative students from Telford College visited one of the town’s largest manufacturers as part of a scheme designed to help young people make informed career choices.

The visit to Ricoh UK Products at Priorslee was organised through the Department for Work and Pensions to provide valuable insight into a global technology and manufacturing organisation.

It was part of a campaign to help students explore a wide range of career opportunities, understand different progression routes, and hear first-hand from employees about their own career journeys.

Shaun Bickley, student support manager at Telford College, said: “The visit went really well. We took a group of 10 from our business and creative areas, who were able to ask some insightful questions.

“They came away with a different perspective on the opportunities available to them after college.”

Ricoh UK Products has been in Telford since 1985, and specialises in products and services that power digital print devices.

During the visit, students were given a guided tour of the facility, enabling them to see different areas of the business in operation and gain a better understanding of products and services.

They also had chance to meet and speak with staff from a variety of departments, learning about their roles, career pathways and the skills required in the workplace.

Schools adviser Clare Gilkes, from the Department for Work and Pensions, said: “The afternoon included a detailed tour and an introduction to a range of apprentices, who shared their experiences and helped students understand what a typical day as an apprentice looks like.

“Overall, the visit helped to bridge the gap between education and employment while supporting the achievement of Gatsby Benchmark objectives.

“It helped students appreciate the diversity of careers available within a global organisation and challenged some of their preconceptions about the opportunities on offer.”