Crysp team share start-up life stories and alternative career paths.

Pete Mills (Co-Director) and Sian Purver (Business Operations) were invited by Hannah Ashton, Associate Assistant Principal of Trinity Sixth Form Academy, Halifax,  to talk with students on all things business and start-up life.

Pete comments:

The opportunity to talk with young people coming through the education system is always welcomed. I myself benefited hugely growing up in Bradford with the occasional visitor to our school sharing stories and life experiences. It simply gives you a perspective that you would not have got in school or from family, and it also helps raise aspiration. I’m really passionate about working with young people who have the desire to get on and make a difference.

I grew up with parents who were from a working class background and who found themselves running a business in their mid thirties. As I was finishing school in the early naughties their had been a strong, almost overriding emphasis on people going to University if they wanted a “good job.” We are still feeling the effects of that now as young people are still made to feel that an apprenticeship or going straight into work or even self employment is inferior to getting a degree.

Looking to the future now, especially as Crysp grows and we look to attract more talent to support our work in schools and businesses across the country, we are interested in finding young people coming through who have the aptitude and willingness to learn to be the most attractive proposition for us.

Sian comments:

Having the chance to be put in front of a group of bright, young students is always a real joy. My personal journey into the world of work was through a non-traditional pathway of jumping straight into the world of work shortly after leaving college at 18 years old, something I thoroughly believe in and recommend to others who are ready for the leap of faith. Not only that but the opportunities and challenges that come with being part of a fast growing start up business.

Being challenged by the students with their brilliant thought-provoking questions about the decisions I had made myself, and as a business, really highlighted the need to lay out a pathway to bring on board more young minds. My advice is always to say yes to opportunities.

We are excited at Crysp to enter our next phase of our journey and we are excited to see which fresh talent will join us as we grow.

Hannah comments:

We value employer encounters, especially when they can link the topic to the curriculum that students are studying! Hearing from professionals in industry gives the students a real-world perspective helping them to prepare for the world of work. Pete and Sian gave students a realistic account of what it is like to start your own businesses and the challenges that come with that. Sian was able to give students a first-hand account of being an apprentice for a growing business and the opportunities that have opened up as a result of that.

With the job market being as competitive as it is, students need to understand how to navigate this. Hearing from Pete and Sian was eye opening. Most students tend to stay local after they leave 6th form, Pete's experiences showcase to students that travelling, and saying yes to different opportunities can lead to success!

Final comments

Crysp works across the UK supporting schools and businesses with their property, estates and compliance management. Whether that is by providing fire risk assessments or their leading digital compliance platform, Crysp (backed by Twinkl in 2021) serves a large community of professionals ensuring the safety and well-being of its employees and customers. The team at Crysp passionately believe in supporting the communities behind the schools and businesses it works for, and proactively engages in student mentorship, sponsorship and other pro bono activities.