Welcome to the business world

REAL LIFE: Dover Boys' Grammar School pupils at the AVO International Factory with members of the company's staff.

YEAR 10 students from Dover Boys' Grammar School have been learning about one of Dover's top high-tech companies as part of their business studies course.

Staff at AVO International have been giving students first-hand experience of what happens within a manufacturing company, from the initial product design, right through to its despatch and distribution.

AVO manufacturing team leader Tony Hawkins volunteered to be the students' mentor for their GCSE course, and the lessons have been based around the various aspects of running a large business, including strategic planning, advertising and manufacturing.

Tony has been visiting the students once a week to talk about these issues as well as telling them about everyday operations at AVO International.

"I have found it very fulfilling to help these students who one day may take a part in the continued growth and expansion of AVO International," he said.

On Wednesday, the students spent an afternoon touring the company's site at Archcliffe Road, visiting all the areas and departments which they had previously learnt about in the classroom.

"They were surprised and interested in the amount of new technology in the company," said AVO International publicity manager, Emma Harding.

"It was interesting for them to see all the different departments functioning together and have first hand experience of how a manufacturing company actually operates." Head of business studies at the school, Tasneem Shafi, said working with AVO International had been rewarding for the students.

"The information gained has shown the students real-life facts, rather than relying purely on text-book theory," she said.

AVO International has been based in Dover for more than 30 years and is a world leader in the design and manufacture of electrical test equipment, exporting from Kent to more than 150 countries.

For two years, AVO has gained the MRPII Class A Manufacturing Resource Planning award, proving that the company is in a strong position to fight against competition from the Far East.

The company has always recognised the importance of working with the local community in Dover and links with local schools are a top priority.