Volunteer of the Month – Chris Drake

Celebrating Chris Drake: Giving Back Where It Matters Most

At F4S, we’re proud to celebrate Chris Drake, Head of HR at Hitachi Energy, as our Volunteer of the Month.

Chris recently supported an in-person session at a school in Nuneaton during National Careers Week — a moment in the calendar dedicated to opening students’ eyes to future pathways and possibilities. What made this session particularly impactful was the group of students he worked with: young people with additional social, emotional, and mental health needs.

Through small group conversations, Chris shared his career journey, insights into the world of work, and the skills that have shaped his path. These more personal, interactive settings can make a real difference — creating space for students to ask questions, build confidence, and engage in a way that feels accessible and meaningful.

Luna Knight, Employability Adviser who arranged the session says:

“Chris was fantastic. He was approachable, warm and friendly and our young people really responded well to him. He came well prepared and delivered the session in a way that engaged everyone in the room. He interacted brilliantly with the students including some of our more enthusiastic characters and handled them with patience, humour and confidence.

It was clear that he was able to quickly build a positive rapport with our young people, which is particularly important in an SEMH setting. The students genuinely enjoyed the session and remained engaged throughout.”

Chris’s contribution didn’t stop there. He was also one of the featured speakers in the Hitachi Virtual Assembly in March, helping to reach and inspire students on a wider scale. His continued involvement highlights the powerful role volunteers can play — whether speaking to a large audience or connecting with a handful of students in a classroom.

By giving his time and sharing his experience, Chris is helping to bridge the gap between education and employment — showing young people what’s possible and how their skills can translate into real careers.

We’re incredibly grateful to Chris for his commitment to supporting the next generation, and we’re so pleased to have him as part of the F4S volunteer community.