Preparing for the Future: Mentoring and Work Experience for The Oscar Romero Catholic School

While community events bring colour and laughter, real change often happens quietly — in classrooms, interviews, and first workplaces.

Over the past three years, Priavo has partnered with The Oscar Romero Catholic School to support students preparing for life after education through mentoring, guidance, and practical experience.

Since 2023, we’ve welcomed work placement students into the Priavo Security offices — giving them a first-hand look at how teamwork, communication and professionalism play out in a real-world environment. Some students shadowed our operations team, others supported administration or project coordination. Each placement was an opportunity for them to see which skills employers look for and how businesses operate day to day.

It’s easy to forget how significant a first work experience can be. For many, it’s the first time outside of school where they’re trusted with genuine responsibility — the first moment they can picture themselves in a future role. Watching those “lightbulb” moments happen in our office has been a privilege.

Our Managing Director, Celine, has also played a key role in supporting Oscar Romero’s careers programme. She’s volunteered at the school’s Work Fair, mentoring students on interview techniques—from preparing and researching roles to communicating confidently and professionally. Her sessions have become a regular fixture at the event, offering practical advice that goes far beyond standard careers guidance.

The feedback from students has been heartwarming — one even shared that it was the first time they’d felt “ready” for an interview. For us, that’s what real impact looks like: not just giving opportunities, but helping young people believe they’re ready to take them.

Summary:

From mentoring to workplace experience, our collaboration with Oscar Romero continues to focus on empowerment — helping young people bridge the gap between school and the world beyond. The goal isn’t to shape their paths for them, but to help them see that they already have what it takes to succeed.

You can find out more about The Oscar Romero Catholic School’s careers and enrichment programmes at www.oscarromero.org.uk.