Talking Jobs

Team

Andrew Manson

Founder

Having spent many years producing interactive education and training Andrew founded the www.talkingjobs.net resource in 2006 as new way of starting work related conversations in the classroom. Using video case study the approach focuses on looking at cross sections of community experience, the work people do now and early influences on caree decisions. The universality of this unique approach attracted support from Aimhigher Sussex and East Sussex County Council for collaborations with local schools, colleges and Pupil Referral Units. Subsequent collaborations included projects with the Gloucestershire Youth Support Team for their work with care leavers and looked after young people, and with Brightside Trust in their e-mentoring work with NHS Careers.

However, after 10 years seeking scaling opportunities while reinvesting all proceeds into the platform, Andrew decided to take the advice of the interviewees and get a job.Andrew is now Head of Knowledge Management at the AbilityNet charity where he has worked since November 2016.

Mark Birbeck

Camera Director

Mark Birbeck has ten years experience as a documentary filmmaker specialising in issues concerning education and young people.

He has produced several films for East Sussex County Council, including the award winning 'One Of Us', dealing with the experience of black and minority ethnic youth growing up in a mainly white area. He has recently completed 'Fear and Loving', a film about the experience of gay pupils and the abuse they can encounter in schools. His work has been used extensively as part of the PSHE curriculum and he has a strong understanding of the needs of a young audience.

Simon Hamilton

Technical Director

Simon is a flexible designer and developer, who's been working in the digital industry for 10+ years. His approach and versatility has allowed him to work in various environments, ranging from very structured organisations to fairly informal digital agencies and start-ups.

He has a strong background in front-end development: HTML, CSS, Javascript, plus an understanding of backend system makes him equipped to grasp most projects quickly. His Masters in Human Computer Interaction (UX) and a Degree in Visual Comunication and Interaction Design, makes him an invaluable member of a team looking to move quickly with research, ideas and production.

Simon has worked on the project since inceptionand was the programmer responsible for the original Flash build of the Talking Jobs video player.

Affiliates

Christa Lindner

Project advisor and learning materials editor

Christa Lindner was formerly the Information Manager for Sussex Careers Ltd with wide ranging responsibilities across careers provisioning in the county.

Christa has a Diploma in Careers Guidance from South Bank University and 30 years experience in this area. For many years she was a Community Careers Adviser, based full time within a large 11 – 18 school.

In addition to managing a careers department she provided careers guidance as part of an 'all age guidance service' to students and members of the community, participated in delivering PSHE and contributed to a pastoral role within the school.

John Wilson BSc, PGCE, PGdip

Former Head of PSHE Longhill School & project consultant

Jon has been a full time secondary school teacher since 1982, teaching a range of subjects including: geography, history, RE, drama, IT, literacy, PSHE, careers education and Citizenship.

He is currently Head of PSHE and Citizenship in a large comprehensive school in Brighton. Previous to this post he was curriculum leader for PSHE and careers education in a special school for the deaf.

Jon is qualified to master's level from both the University of London and Birmingham University.

Thanks to

The interviewees

A very special thanks to all the interviewees for agreeing to take part and helping the project form this orchestra of voices.

Thanks also to interviewees' employers for consenting to recordings taking place on their premises and recognising the vital importance of schools and colleges having access to impartial labour market experience and information.

… and a special thank you to

Tara Lamont, Bill Law, Gill Coker, Rick Cowling, Nelica LaGro, Hazel Reid, Paul Hardaker, Simon Sapper, Daire Farnon, Carly Reigler, Juliet Mickelburgh, Matt Page, Simon Morley, Helen Rehin and many many more...