Opportunities included working alongside the police on a simulated missing person investigation as part of Operation Candela, visiting five-star hotels in central London for hands-on insight into the hospitality industry, and touring the Beddington Energy Recovery Facility, where students met engineers and built their own wind turbines.

Other groups took part in taster workshops at Croydon College, explored careers in sport at Crystal Palace Football Stadium, or learned more about the leisure industry at the local leisure centre.

Student reflections highlighted their individuality, with varied perspectives on working hours, customer-facing roles, indoor versus outdoor environments, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Overall, the experience encouraged students to think more deeply about what an ideal career might look like for them - beyond earning potential - while gaining valuable advice and insight from professionals working across a range of industries.