Bedford Giving has expanded its pioneering Taste of the Workplace work experience project, bringing real-world career insight directly into schools, from 30 pupils, to a whole year group of around 200 at Wixams Academy.
Building on last year’s pilot, Bedfordshire Police, the BLMK Health and Care Academy, hosted by Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and the NHS East of England Ambulance Service returned to participate again in the project coordinated by 4YPUK.
They were joined for the first time by Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service and Magpas Air Ambulance, further enriching the students’ experience.
The first session launched with a powerful reenactment depicting how emergency services would respond to a road traffic collision involving a car and an e-scooter.
Students watched emergency teams demonstrate the urgency, coordination and decision-making required in real-life incidents.
After the scenario, pupils explored emergency vehicles, including a police response car, a collision investigation unit, a fire engine with cutting equipment, a Vision Van offering virtual reality young driver education, an ambulance, and air ambulance equipment.
Emergency services staff shared insights into the challenges and realities of their day-to-day roles, from frontline response to specialist operations, as well as letting students try on uniforms and learn about the wide variety of roles within the different services.
Paul (PK) Kellett, Director of Bedford Giving, said: “We are incredibly proud to see Taste of the Workplace scale up dramatically from a 30-student pilot to now engaging around 200 young people at Wixams Academy.
“The enthusiasm and dedication shown by all our blue light partners and health colleagues has been extraordinary.
“Their commitment helps students see the options available to them first-hand, opening their eyes to future careers, as well as strengthening vital connections between young people and the services that keep our community safe.”
Paddy Downes, Assistant Headteacher at Wixams Academy, added, “We are incredibly grateful to be part of this project for the second-year running. The professionalism and dedication of the blue light services has been exceptional.
“The scenario captured students’ imaginations immediately, and it was inspiring to see them so engaged. The interactions with the different services has also broadened their understanding of future pathways and inspired many to consider roles in the uniformed services.”
The BLMK Health and Care Academy also delivered practical initial emergency assessment training covering danger, response, airway, breathing and circulation, including the recovery position.
They taught hands-on skills which are important life skills, whilst providing an insight into working within healthcare, featuring bandaging, tourniquets, applying pressure and elevation for wound care and observations, simulated suturing and surgical wound debridement.
Abigail Dinner, Clinical Educator at BLMK Health and Care Academy, said: “The students showed a high level of engagement throughout the various activities and skills stations.
“While the focus of the session is undoubtedly serious, it was immensely rewarding to see the students embrace learning with such enthusiasm and enjoyment as they built their lifesaving skills.
“It is so important that young people feel empowered, not only with the knowledge of how to respond in an emergency but with the confidence to step forward and the belief that they can make a genuine difference.”
Young people engaged and eager
Police sergeant Dominic Tembey, of the Education and Diversion Team at Bedfordshire Police, said: “It’s fantastic to see young people so engaged and eager to learn about the realities of policing and public safety.
“Opportunities like this allow us to build positive relationships early on and help students understand the breadth of roles within modern policing, from frontline response to specialist investigative work.”
Stacey Moore, Community Safety Officer at Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, added: “We were delighted to take part in this year’s programme and to show students the vital work our crews carry out every day.
“Engaging with young people in this way helps them understand how we respond to emergencies, the teamwork involved, and the importance of community safety. Their interest and enthusiasm were fantastic to see.”
The Bedfordshire Police Education and Diversion Team will continue the programme by building on the RTC scenario, including educating pupils about the role of a Family Liaison Officer and providing hands-on practical activities with scenes of crime officers, further highlighting the wide range of roles within the Police Service.
The project will culminate with a finale where the students will present to the different blue light teams, teachers, their peers, Bedford Giving and 4YPUK about the different aspects of what they’ve learnt.
Taste of the Workplace forms part of Bedford Giving’s wider commitment to creating brighter futures for young people in the borough. Find out more about the movement at bedfordgiving.org.uk.
Bedford Giving is the charity partner of the Bedford Independent
Update: This article was updated at 15:07 on 2 April 2026 to replace the details about and quote from BLMK Health and Care Academy after an earlier version was sent to us in error.
