Ashton Park Year 10 Careers day
Last week, Bristol WORKS supported Year 10 learners from Ashton Park School to gain an insight into different career pathways and to learn about an exciting range of work options available. Learners spent the day attending different interactive workshops, where they had the opportunity to get hands on with workplace activities, in addition to participating in speed networking sessions and meet lots of exciting volunteers. We couldn’t have made the day happen without our brilliant volunteers from numerous industries including MCS, Clear Channel, Savills, Airbus, Encon, Waste Source, Bristol Educational Psychology Service, Yunex Traffix, BJSS, 4ei, First Bus, Avon and Somerset Police, and the Bristol City Council.
Throughout the day, classrooms were full of inspiration and creativity! Both Encon and MCS provided a fantastic and fun insight into the construction industry, where learners put their building skills to test. Whilst Encon encouraged learners to apply a range of skills and think wisely about which PPE is necessary to construct both a brick wall and a giant tetrahedron, MCS challenged students to assemble a building made of straws whilst sticking to budget. We were impressed to see the outcome of these activities, where students demonstrated brilliant innovative thinking and team working skills.
Learners expanded on their creativity during the session led by Airbus where in teams, they designed their very own cabin layout with the aim of maximising profits. Students definitely thought outside the box during this activity where even the incorporation of aeroplane dance rooms were suggested. We also got to see excellent examples of creativity during the WasteSource workshop, in which students succeeded in drawing some captivating and engaging social media campaigns to reduce waste!
Clear Channel provided a fascinating insight into the world of advertising and inspired the students to think about the numerous roles available in this career pathway and where their skills may be best applied! In the meantime, other learners were invested in previously advertised properties with Savills. Here, students were encouraged to use their imagination to transform derelict buildings into buildings that could generate profit and fun. Additionally, we were joined by Educational Psychology who tested students’ observational skills through performing a role play, where students had the chance to look for skills which indicated a successful or unsuccessful psychologist.
Learners all had the opportunity to engage and be inspired by our brilliant speed network volunteers in the sports hall! Students spent five minutes with each professional volunteer, who provided them with an insight into a range of career pathways and routes they could take. It was also an excellent chance for learners to ask questions to our volunteers and a great way to build their confidence in interacting with new people! Students reflected that they found this session to be useful and that they “gained confidence to speak to new people” and “got to learn about skill sets and interview processes”.
Overall, Ashton Park’s Career Day was filled with inspiration and success, leaving the Year 10 learners with new career possibilities to explore and broadened horizons ahead of them considering work experience. We would like to say a huge thank you to our amazing employer and volunteers for your time and efforts on this day. We would also like to thank the Ashton Park staff for co-ordinating and supporting the event!
