Introducing Zurich’s Newest Workers to Community

Last week, Community spent two days at Zurich’s Swindon offices meeting its impressive new intake of apprentices and graduates, alongside colleagues who began apprenticeships last year. The joint event also showcased our partnership with the business.

The visit gave us the chance to speak directly with people at the start of their careers about the value of joining their recognised union and the support available as they enter the workplace.

We explained how Community supports members through advice and representation, helps them understand their rights, and ensures they have a voice at work. We also highlighted that union membership means being part of a wider collective voice for fairness, opportunity and better working lives.

To build confidence, John from The Oratory Studio delivered a series of public speaking workshops. The interactive sessions encouraged everyone to participate, helping attendees become more comfortable sharing ideas and speaking in front of peers. Feedback reflected their value, with one attendee saying they had learned about “keeping nerves in check and being comfortable with taking the time to think before speaking.”

We were also pleased to welcome Kate Dearden MP at lunchtime on one day and Tom Rutland MP online on the other. They shared their journeys to being elected in 2024, discussed the vital role of trade unions in the workplace, and outlined their hopes for working people in the years ahead.

It was an excellent two days of discussion, confidence-building and learning, a strong reminder that young workers need knowledge, confidence and collective support to build successful careers.

Thank you to Community NEC member and Zurich rep Anthony Lewis for helping to develop and deliver the event.