Careers taster day for Year 10 students
This week, year 10 students from Orchard School gained an insight into the world of work and post 16 options. Throughout the morning different WORKS employers arrived at the school to deliver presentations to the students. This included talks about their job role and their journey into the role they are in now as well as a discussion of some of the barriers they may have faced. The employers were also able to give the students information and advice on their industries and the different routes available into getting into employment.
We were able to hear from Arron from the Bristol Robins Foundation, who told us about how his footballing career was cut short due an injury, he went on to explain that is was the best thing to of happened to him, as he wouldn’t be where he is today without it. Arron told the students about how he struggled in school but has now completed a degree and masters and is now going on to do a PHD! Some students said “He made us realise the importance of choosing something you are passionate about to pursue” and “he taught me to never give up!”.
We also had inspiring talks from Andrew from the NHS and Laura from Engie who were able to explain the different job roles in their sectors and all of the career pathways in getting there. They told us about apprenticeships that could be undertaken, and the transferrable skills needed for the workplace. It was great to see so many students keen to ask questions to the employers.
The students were also able to hear from our very own WORKS apprentice Intisar, who shared her journey from leaving school, going to university to then undertaking her apprenticeship within Bristol City Council. She told us about the day to life of being an apprentice and the opportunities available, such as a higher-level apprenticeship.
After a very busy morning, students were able to hear from Kendia who runs her own consulting company! She delivered a consulting careers session and gave information on what a CV was and how to present the best version of yourself in an interview – offering lots of advice and tips!
After lunch Hayley, from the Bristol WORKS team went through and all the different post 16 options form A levels, T levels, BTEC’s, apprenticeship and traineeships. The session was finished off with a fun and interactive quiz where the winning tutor group were able to win some chocolates for their class.
To finish off the day the students had the opportunity to make a start at writing their own CV. Many learners explained on the feedback for the day that found learning how to write a CV really useful.
A very busy and rewarding day at Orchard School and we share a massive thank you to all of the employers for joining us today and to Orchard School for having us there!