Bridging the Gap Between Education and Industry

Spending time at Barkers Fencing in Stoke-on-Trent was an invaluable opportunity to step outside the classroom and immerse myself in a fast-paced, highly skilled industry. Moving through different departments—from Health & Safety to Sales, Marketing, Design, and Manufacturing—gave me a first-hand insight into how businesses operate and how the skills we teach in schools translate into real-world applications.

One of the most striking aspects of the experience was witnessing the seamless collaboration between teams. Whether it was the Health & Safety team ensuring a secure working environment, the Sales team turning customer needs into tailored fencing solutions, or the Marketing team working on expanding Barkers’ reach, every role played a crucial part in the company’s success.

I had the chance to shadow the Drawing Team, where I saw how designs are adapted to suit client needs at every stage of a project. On the factory floor, I observed key manufacturing processes such as galvanizing and powder coating—techniques rarely seen in action, as Barkers is one of the few facilities in the country to house them all under one roof.

Beyond technical skills, this experience challenged my perception of career pathways within my subject area. While I often focus on the direct applications of technology, I now appreciate the broader opportunities in fields like Finance, Health & Safety, and Project Management, where individuals work alongside technology rather than within it.

Navigating such a dynamic environment also reinforced the importance of problem-solving and teamwork. I saw first-hand how complex challenges arise daily and how different departments collaborate to find solutions efficiently. This highlighted the value of work experience for students—not just as an addition to their CVs but as a means to understand the wide range of career options available to them.

This industry placement has given me a fresh perspective on how education and industry can work together. I’m excited to bring these insights back to my students and colleagues, helping them recognize the diverse career paths they can explore and the real-world impact of the skills they are developing in the classroom.