More than 300 tune into virtual ORT JUMP graduation ceremony

More than 300 people tuned in to watch graduates of ORT UK’s career mentoring programme celebrate the completion of their training.

The event, originally scheduled to take place at JW3 but held over Zoom due to the pandemic, featured an award ceremony with prizes recognising outstanding ORT JUMP mentors and mentees.

JFS pupil Zak Wolfson, who won student of the year, hailed the “unique and incredible opportunity” to be mentored by Ryanair pilot Jake Sekenofsky and revealed that he “thoroughly enjoyed every minute” of it.

“This in itself was beyond my wildest expectations as a sixth former but the whole process has been phenomenal and a real privilege to be part of,” he said.

Other winners included Adam Kosky (best mentor of the year) as well as the pupil Sophia Khan and her mentor Ian Westbrook, (mentor and student partnership).

During the ceremony, Ben and Gabe Turner, the founders of the production company Fulwell 73, shared careers advice during an interview led by the ORT JUMP mentor and broadcaster Juliet Mann.

The programme, now in its 11th year, pairs more than 250 Year 12 students with mentors working in their chosen industry.

ORT JUMP normally involves face to face meeting, but was brought online during the pandemic. Over a dozen webinars were held with experts on topics ranging from apprenticeships to the perfect university application.