Our annual Careers Fair was one of our biggest yet. Employers and apprenticeship providers helped our pupils to explore their career options and discussed apprenticeship routes into professions, including careers in Finance, Public Services, HR, Hospitality and Pathology. Meanwhile providers from our local colleges and universities across the country offered advice to all of our pupils on their future learning journeys, whether they are choosing degrees, A levels, vocational courses, T Levels, traineeships or apprenticeships, there was lots of advice on hand. Every pupil has the chance to visit the fair, every year, to gain an insight into the options ahead and ask different questions at each stage of their career journey. We offer our thanks to all of the people who volunteered to support us with this event.

Year 12 students have been enjoying getting an insight into the working world. Whether it is seeing the healthcare industry first hand at hospitals and pharmacies, working with and supporting migrants who Walsall Football Club are hosting, getting hands on in the manufacturing industry or baking bread with Year 5 pupils at a local Primary School. 

These placements are a chance for students to confirm if a certain career is right for them, to get a taste of working life or to give back to the local community. We are however delighted to hear that so many of our students have impressed their employers so much that they are being invited back or encouraged to consider future apprenticeships.

Our students have said:

“I’m having an amazing week! I’ve worn scrubs, saw a C-section and have also observed a number of different clinics, from pain management to skin conditions.” R Cook, working at Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

“I have been shadowing a foundation year dentist and I have learnt so much.  I have observed her undertaking different types of treatment.  I have even arranged another week’s experience during the summer.” H Rai

“I have loved working this week!  It has made me realise that I am more of a hands-on person, so I think I will be applying for an apprenticeship next year.” Z Turner, working in manufacturing.

“I’ve had a variety of tasks from working with hospitality and booking events, to looking at individual sponsorship for football players.” K Wade, working at Birmingham City FC. 

“ I have learnt how important patient confidentiality is and how you have to change the tone of your voice when speakers to customers. You also need to be very patient! I want to go into nursing and I feel this week has confirmed that decision.” M Edu, working at a local Pharmacy. 

“Prior to my work experience I was struggling to decide whether I wanted to teach primary or secondary school, but after this week I can happily say that my heart is definitely set on primary school. I absolutely loved seeing how much the children adore their teachers and it just made me so excited and I honestly cannot wait for that to hopefully be me one day.” N Merhban

“One of the things I’ve been concentrating on is Data Analytics. I thought you would need high level maths for this but I’m doing well and finding it really interesting.” Y Crook, working at Veolia.

We have also received some wonderful feedback from employers: 

B Padham is working in a local pharmacy. His employer has said “He is fantastic! He is pro-active and keen to learn different aspects of the role, so we have offered him a range of experiences.”

J Heir had an exceptional report from High Spec Windows: “He has been amazing! He wants to learn and has enjoyed the role. He is hardworking and in a few days he has learnt 60% of the software programme that we use. Your school is lucky to have him as a student. We are going to miss him!”

R Mardenborough secured her experience at an accounting firm who have said: “She is amazing!  She is very smart in appearance and she is a hard worker – a perfect addition to the team!  We will be giving her details about our degree apprenticeship.”

H Lobb and T Griffith have been supporting local primary schools for the week. Their employers have said that “(H Lobb) is very confident. She has worked with Years 1, 4 and 5 already and will be with Reception and Year 2 for the rest of the week. She has had great feedback from all the class teachers.”.  For T Griffth, her employer said “She has worked hard with our Year 3 class this week. She has supported them with their English and Maths transition work in preparation for Year 4. The children have loved reading to her – she is really lovely with them.”

L Fewtrell has been working at a digital printers: “She has been involved in a range of tasks this week and has impressed us with everything that she has done. She is confident and friendly and has asked lots of questions to make sure that she gets the job right.”

J Doherty has gained experience of the hospitality industry: “She is confident and raring to go! She is hardworking, inquisitive and has enjoyed the perks of the corporate world (free lunch every day!)”