We aimed to provide for students the opportunity to gain knowledge of occupational sectors and to start the process of preparing them in making Post 16 choices.

On 2nd October 2013 we welcomed business volunteers to run a number of workshops to give a flavour of their industry and the different career options available. Year 11 students were invited to choose two workshops from a range of occupational sectors. These included advertising, engineering (telecoms), finance and banking, broadcasting, pharmacy, retail and law.

Each workshop was designed to give students an insight into that business environment and hands on experience of what it is like to work in that industry. Such interactive activities not only made the workshops interesting, but were an invaluable opportunity for students to learn more about the world of work and at the same time enhance their employability skills.

Both the Business Partners and our students enjoyed the event. A number of quotes give a flavour of that experience.

Students:

‘Loved retail – Fun’

‘I learnt about career paths I had not previously considered’

‘What GCSE’s I need, what A levels I need and what degree I need’

‘I have learnt that there is more to a job’

Business Partners:

‘Thank you, we would love to come again’

‘Really enjoyable’

‘The sessions went well because of the contributions of the students. Some good and challenging questions’

‘Giving the students advice and their enthusiasm was enlightening’