Building stronger connections between education and business remains a key priority across Surrey and the Teacher Encounters programme continues to play an important role in bringing this to life. Returning for 2026, the initiative offers teachers the opportunity to step out of the classroom and into local workplaces, gaining first-hand insight into the industries their students may one day join.
What are Teacher Encounters?
Teacher Encounters are immersive, employer-led experiences designed to help educators better understand the skills, behaviours and pathways that are most valued in today’s workforce. By spending time within organisations, teachers can see how subjects are applied in real-world contexts, explore emerging careers and gather practical examples they can take back into their lessons.
This year’s programme has already seen strong engagement, with 11 employers involved and over 100 teachers registered.
Ringway and M Group got the 2026 series off to a great start with a highly insightful Teacher Encounter in February, offering early opportunities for educators to explore careers in the construction and highways industry. The programme continues in June 2026, with a diverse range of Surrey-based organisations opening their doors: RSM, CGI, Cambertronics, RHS Wisley, Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Supermassive Games, Macro and the Animal & Plant Health Agency.
A typical experience
Each encounter is carefully designed to showcase the breadth of career pathways within an organisation, from early careers and apprenticeships to experienced leadership roles. Teachers hear directly from employees at different stages of their journeys, helping to demystify routes into employment and highlight the importance of both technical knowledge and transferable skills.
Feedback from participants continues to highlight the value of these experiences. Following a recent Teacher Encounter at RSM, one attendee shared:
“Just a note to thank you both for putting on such a great day. Events such as these are invaluable in ensuring what we teach in class not only enables students to secure their academic qualifications but is done in a way to equip them with the life and work skills that today’s employers are looking for. A great reminder of the need to balance educational attainment with well-developed interpersonal / soft skills. Also hearing directly from your early career employees, alongside tenured leaders was incredibly insightful. Fantastic experience, thank you to all who gave up their time to accommodate us.”
This feedback reflects a consistent theme: Teacher Encounters not only enhance teachers’ understanding of industry but also support more meaningful careers guidance for students. By bridging the gap between education and employment, the programme helps ensure young people are better prepared for the opportunities and challenges ahead.
With continued collaboration between schools and employers, Teacher Encounters are helping to build a more connected, informed and future-ready workforce across Surrey.
Find out more
More information about the Teacher Encounters programme can be found on the Surrey County Council website.
Surrey employers who would like to get involved in the 2026 Teacher Encounters programme should contact careers.hub@surreycc.gov.uk.
For updates on the Teacher Encounters programme and other Surrey Careers Hub activity, please follow them on LinkedIn.
