This month we welcomed representatives from a range of employment sectors into school to deliver sessions to help inform and inspire the student about possible future careers and to understand the relevance of their school and extra-curricular activities to their future employment.
The aims of the event were: to inform and inspire the students about employment sectors that are active in our area; to offer an insight into a variety of careers; to understand the qualifications and skills employers value.
We were also keen to strengthen the messages we give at school about building the transferable skills and resilience students will need in today’s ever-changing and flexible world of work, and the need to continue to learn and adapt throughout their lives.
We were delighted that the following organisations accepted our invitation:
• British Army
• Cundall (engineering consultancy)
• Noviun Architects
• Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust
• Gloucestershire NHS Trust
• Inspire Trust
• Muller UK
• Tallis Amos
• Wales and West Utilities
Our visitors covered a range of topics including what a typical working day might look like, the academic qualification and soft skills they look for in potential employees, and routes into their sector, including apprenticeships. Some included puzzles and quizzes to get the students thinking.
The students thoroughly embraced this opportunity to gain information and knowledge and asked some insightful questions even at this early stage of their careers education. Many were surprised at the range of job roles available within each sector and gained understanding of the collaborative and teamwork element to most workplaces.
One supervising teacher commented: An excellent presentation: articulate, clear, informative, fun and delivered by friendly, approachable presenters. A realistic, honest picture of the work, training (including apprenticeships) and career prospects at the company – relevant to all pupils.
From the employers: It was an absolute pleasure to join the careers event last week. The pupils were engaged and a delight to speak with.
I was blown away by some of the excellent questions we were asked. As the first time running this, excellent effort and our thanks to the KLB team that made it possible.
We are grateful to all the company representatives who took part for putting together such engaging presentations and coming into school to deliver to students and answer their questions. We feel it was such a worthwhile event and one we hope to repeat in the future.
