Students from West Midlands and Gloucestershire schools spent a week tackling real world business problems on a special Mindshop Excellence programme run by national audit, tax, advisory and consulting firm in its offices in Oldbury and Cheltenham.
The ten Gloucestershire students included pupils from The Crypt School, Marling School, Bournside School and Sir Thomas Rich’s School, Gloucester.
The 18 West Midlands delegates came from King Edwards, Walsall Academy, Haybridge, Sandwell Academy, Ormiston Shelfield Community Academy, Wolverhampton Gramma School, Halesowen College and Joseph Leckie Academy.
The course was facilitated by Crowe’s Business Improvement Team consisting of Jack Edmonds, Rebecca Parke, Sharon Smith, Rob Sargent and Pete Kirkham.
Crowe’s regional managing partner Ross Prince and national head of manufacturing Johnathan Dudley also contributed.
“Rather than the usual style of work experience, the five day course involved Crowe providing the students with a live problem they need help with and coaching them through the process of coming up with solutions.”
– Jack Edmonds is an Accredited Facilitator for Mindshop – the international network of business and personal improvement professionals.
On Day One, Crowe introduced the students to the problem and taught a number of problem solving and strategic tools and techniques to assist with visioning, strategy, problem solving and implementation.
Days Two to Four consisted of the students applying the tools and techniques they had been taught to solve the problem, with access to the Crowe team at all stages.
On the Fifth and final day, the students prepared for their presentation and presented to the team and the partnership.
The course was very well received by the students with feedback that included appreciation of all the new skills learned.
Students Responses:
“The week and the workshop has been a key experience for me. It’s helped to bring me out of my comfort zone and really develop both important and necessary skills needed for my career, while making friends throughout the week…I hope I can get the opportunity to join the team in the future as this experience really showed how great Crowe is.”
– Harley
“I am so grateful to have been part of the Mindshop Excellence week at Crowe. It has been jam-packed full of engaging group discussions, a challenging problem to solve as a team, insightful CV and skills workshops, personal chats and Q&As with current apprentices and team members, before finishing off with a group presentation to share our hard work.
“It’s been a fantastic opportunity to not only provide me with valuable, real-life experience, while I develop a range of soft skills including confidence, organisation and collaboration, but also a deeper understanding of the roles of audit and business solutions, aiding me in decisions for my future career.
“Overall, an absolutely fantastic experience. I cannot recommend it enough!”
– Grace
“It’s ideal for those looking to boost their employability and gain a head start in their careers.
“The positive feedback we receive each year shows that it has enhanced personal growth, encouraging self-reflection and confidence through meaningful challenges.”
– Course leader Jack Edmonds
Contact:
Andy Skinner at ASAP PR – 07990 978257
Notes to Editors:
About us
Crowe UK is a leading audit, tax, advisory and consulting firm with a national presence that is complemented by our local expertise and international reach. We are an independent member of Crowe Global, one of the top 10 accounting networks in the world. With exceptional knowledge of the business environment, our professionals share one commitment, to deliver excellence.
We are trusted by thousands of clients for our specialist advice, our ability to make smart decisions and our readiness to provide lasting value. Our broad technical expertise and deep market knowledge means we are well placed to offer insight and pragmatic advice to all the organisations and individuals with whom we work. Close working relationships are at the heart of our effective service delivery.
Crowe has UK offices based in Bristol, Cheltenham, Kent, London, Manchester, Midlands and Thames Valley. For more information, please visit: www.crowe.co.uk
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Crowe industry recognition
- Top charity auditor for 16 consecutive years (Charity Finance Audit Survey, 2009 – 2024)
- Risk Consultancy of the Year 2024 for the sixth consecutive year (InsuranceERM)
- UK Member of one of the top 10 accounting networks in the world (International Accounting Bulletin World Survey 2022)
- Awarded Silver in the 2022 Citywealth Brand Management and Reputation awards – Best Overall Marketing Campaign category for Your Life Builder
- Awarded Silver in the 2022 Citywealth Magic Circle awards
- Ranked 3rd in the AIM auditors ranking by number of audits (AIM Advisers Rankings Guide, November 2024)
- 9th largest audit firm in the UK (UK fee income of audit firms that audit PIEs – by fee income on audit, FRC Key Facts and Trends in the Accountancy Profession, Figure 33, September 2024)
