What does it take to hire someone, handle a workplace grievance, or get a new starter set up on their first day? Level 2 Business students at West Herts College found out first-hand, swapping the classroom for a hands-on HR workshop delivered by the Watford Town Centre BID at the Watford Campus.
Rather than being talked at, students were put to work. They ran through the recruitment process as if hiring for a real vacancy, worked through a confidentiality scenario involving an employee coming to HR with a problem, and handled the paperwork and induction planning for a new starter joining a business - three tasks that, between them, cover a huge chunk of what an HR team actually does day to day.
The Watford Town Centre BID, a not-for-profit funded by 500 local businesses and organisations working to strengthen the town's trading environment, brought real organisational experience into the room, giving students a much sharper sense of what a career in HR actually looks like, and just how many industries need one.
Kara Mesiano, CEO at Watford Town Centre BID, said: "It was a pleasure to support the Try the Job Workshop and give Level 2 Business Learners an insight into careers within HR. The session was a great opportunity to share real organisation experiences, showcase the variety of skills involved in the profession, and hopefully inspire learners as they consider their future career paths. At Watford Town Centre BID, we are always keen to support learners within the town and help connect young people with opportunities that build confidence, skills, and future ambitions."
Toni Reda, Employer Liaison Facilitator at West Herts College, added: "It was fantastic for our students to hear directly from Kara about the realities of working within HR, the skills that are most in demand and the different responsibilities a HR Professional has. Opportunities like this really help bring learning to life and give students a clearer understanding of different job roles and what employers are looking for. The feedback from students was really positive, and it was great to see them so engaged throughout the session."
The workshop is part of the College's GAP programme, which prepares students for their future careers through industry placements, masterclasses, live briefs and employer-led sessions like this one — the kind of experience that turns "I might like HR" into "I know what HR actually involves."
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