Fast facts about working with StateTalking
>Is my school/college eligible for StateTalking support?
StateTalking connects state primary and secondary schools and 16-19 colleges in each of the 10 Greater Manchester boroughs with inspirational speakers. We cover Rochdale, Bury, Oldham, Bolton, Salford, Trafford, Stockport, Oldham, Wigan and Manchester.
We can help you to towards several of the Gatsby Benchmarks, including number 4, linking curriculum learning to careers and number 5, which is providing encounters with employers and employees.
>Are StateTalking’s services always free?
Yes. Our speakers for Greater Manchester schools ask for no fee and expenses are kindly covered by our supporters and sponsors.
>How do I request an inspirational speaker from StateTalking?
Visit the Request A Speaker page and fill in our form. We will be in touch shortly.
StateTalking will then match a suitable speaker or speakers with the school and agree a time and date. We will introduce the speaker to the school at least a week before the talk is due to take place and provide a bio of the speaker.
>How is StateTalking different to other speaker agencies?
Similar to other speakers for schools agencies, we can offer inspirational speakers and careers talks free of charge. But where we differ is that all of our speakers are local to Greater Manchester, and they look and sound like your students. We understand the importance of bringing role models into schools and colleges that are not only inspirational, but also relatable.
>How do a become a StateTalking speaker?
To put yourself forward as an inspirational speaker for schools, please visit our Become A Speaker page.
>What is a school/college expected to do in advance?
After being introduced to an inspirational speaker via email, we recommend that you follow up with them to confirm arrangements and check they are comfortable with what has been planned.
Please confirm with the speaker how long you would like the talk to last and check whether they require any technical support on the day.
The school is responsible for providing any arrival instructions and a parking space if needed.
>What is a school/college expected to do on the day of the talk?
Please arrange for someone to meet the speaker at school reception and provide a glass of water for them during the talk.
Please remember that our speakers are not DBS checked as they are guests hosted by teachers at the school and should not be left alone by teachers unsupervised with students. Visitors must adhere to the school’s visitor and safeguarding policies.
A member of the teaching staff is also required to introduce the speaker at the start of the session. Always ensure you refer to the speaker in their preferred way, with their full title.
A member of teaching staff is responsible for facilitating a Q&A at the end of the talk. Please ask pupils to prepare questions in advance of the talk. A teacher may be required to begin the questions. Some popular examples include:
– If you could do one thing in your career differently, what would it be?
– What has been your biggest achievement since leaving school?
– At the end of the session, please provide a short conclusion and thank the speaker.
>Do you offer online careers talks?
Yes we do. If you have requested a virtual talk, please ensure any relevant links are sent to the speaker well in advance.
>What happens after a careers talk?
If possible, please share pictures from the talk on your social media, thanking and tagging the speaker. We also ask all speakers to do the same. This can help to spread word to other Greater Manchester schools and potential speakers.