Jun 25, 2025
BTE Student Stories
Recently, High Wycombe, UK, marked the graduation of its eighth Bridge to Employment (BTE) cohort, celebrating its highest number of graduates to date! Nineteen sixth form students from Highcrest Academy completed the year-long program, which aims to support students in building the skills, awareness, and confidence needed to navigate their postsecondary education journeys.
BTE High Wycombe launched its pilot program in 2016, with its first cohort graduating in 2019. Since then, local partners have sustained a one-year program to continue supporting local students. Students participate in a series of development sessions led by local Johnson & Johnson volunteers and the BTE leadership team. This year, these sessions included practical workshops on topics such as interviewing, negotiation, professional communication, and networking. Students also completed personality assessments and received structured feedback throughout the year.
One of the program’s central components was the “Health Dilemma” group project—an exercise designed to introduce students to real-world decision –making. Teams were asked to make complex budget cuts to a fictional hospital, taking into account ethical considerations, resource allocation, and the perspectives of different stakeholders. At the end, students made presentations that demonstrated their strong grasp of the challenges involved in leadership and public service decision –making. Students also had the opportunity to present to Johnson & Johnson professionals at the company’s High Wycombe office—an experience that challenged many of them to step outside their comfort zones. Mentors and staff noted significant progress in the students’ presentation skills, confidence, and overall professionalism.
The program concluded with a final “Brand Me” presentation, giving each student a platform to reflect on their individual growth and articulate their goals moving forward. According to feedback from both students and staff, the program continues to provide meaningful support and development opportunities to young people in the community.
One student shared, “I am incredibly grateful to the BTE program for the opportunities, support and inspiration. It has helped me grow personally and professionally.”
As the site closes out its eighth year, staff remain focused on maintaining a program structure that is both supportive and practical, and on offering students continued access to mentorship and real-world exposure. High Wycombe looks forward to welcoming its next cohort in the autumn!