Teachers become students for the day visiting some of Surrey’s brightest and best businesses as part of broader efforts to inspire the region’s future workforce
As this academic year begins to draw to a close, a number of schools, special schools, and colleges across Surrey are taking part in Surrey Careers Hubโs 2025 Teacher Encounters initiative.
This dynamic series of workplace visits is designed to connect educators with leading Surrey employers and has seen enthusiastic participation from teachers across a wide range of Surrey educational settings across the county, helping to bridge the gap between education and the world of work. (See full list of participating institutions below.)
These educators are taking up the opportunity to visit and engage with a diverse range of Surrey employers, including Wates Group, Royal Holloway University, CGI, Supermassive Games, Home Counties Carers, AtkinsRรฉalis, Yunex Traffic, ramsac, Macro and Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust.
What’s involved in a Teacher Encounter?
The visits offer valuable insights into the skills, knowledge, and attributes that employers are seeking in the future workforce. The programme helps educators to understand the wide range of career opportunities available and gain a deeper understanding of how their subject is applied practically in the workplace which they can take back to their classrooms to enrich their curriculum with real-world industry examples, while enabling them to build ongoing relationships with employers.
Following each Teacher Encounter, participating teachers will develop bespoke teaching resources that will translate newly acquired industry knowledge into practical classroom applications or resources to share with their teaching colleagues. The initiative aims to produce a diverse and inclusive suite of materials, tailored to a wide range of subjects and adaptable to the needs of students from all types of institutions.
Matt Furniss, Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth at Surrey County Council, praised the initiative:
โThe Teachers Encounters programme is a vital investment in the future of Surreyโs economy. By equipping our teachers with up-to-date industry knowledge and meaningful employer connections, we empower them to better guide their students in making informed career choices. This initiative not only benefits our young people but also strengthens the talent pipeline for local businesses, ensuring Surrey remains a thriving hub of innovation and opportunity.โ
Views from participants
Tim Browning, Recruitment Lead at Supermassive Games said:
โThis programme is a fantastic way to bridge the gap between education and industry. Equipping teachers with industry knowledge is crucial for inspiring and preparing students for their future careers. We’re already looking forward to next year’s programme!”
While Ellie Smith, AtkinsRรฉalis Social Value Consultant shared:
โThe Teacher Encounter programme highlights ncounters programme highlights the importance of collaboration between educators and industry professionals in shaping a skilled workforce and AtkinsRรฉalis is proud to have taken part.โ
With a delighted teacher from East Surrey College adding:
โIt was both enlightening and informative to hear about the company’s early careers programme. The insights and perspectives shared will undoubtedly be incredibly valuable for our students as they look to progress into their careers after completing their college studies.โ
The programme is part of Surrey Careers Hubโs ongoing commitment to enhancing careers education and ensuring that young people are well-prepared for the rapidly evolving world of work. By fostering stronger links between education and industry, the Careers Hub is helping to create a more informed, inspired, and future-ready generation.
Find out more
More information about the Teacher Encounters programme can be found on the Surrey County Council website: https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/business/careers-hub/employers/teacher-encounters.
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 us on LinkedIn
Surrey Educational settings that participated in Teacher Encounters this year:
- Ashcombe School
- Brooklands College
- Carrington School
- Collingwood College
- East Surrey College
- Epsom College
- Esher Sixth Form College
- Fox Grove School
- Freemantles School
- George Abbot School
- Godalming College
- Guildford County School
- Heathside School
- Hoe Valley School
- Nescot
- Pond Meadow School
- Reigate College
- Rosebery School
- St Pauls Catholic College
- The Beacon School
- Therfield School
- Thomas Knyvett College
- Warlingham School
- Wishmore Cross Academy
- Woking College
