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!)”     

Pupils in Year 9 had the chance to go to work with a parent, relative or trusted family friend for the day. This was potentially their first taste of the world of work. Our feedback from parents showed pupils were really making the most of the opportunity:  

G Bruerton was on his feet all day working at Ember Inns. His mother said “He has been doing a bit of everything, running food to tables and potwash. He’s loving his day working.” 

T Clive worked with his father at Royal Mail, who said that “He’s loving it. He’s been on reception and working with the redirections team. He has enjoyed seeing the behind the scenes of Royal Mail.” 

E Harris went to work with his mother at a local primary school: “He’s done brilliantly; he’s got on well with the younger children, taken part in loads of activities and made resources. He is now considering it for a future career.” 

H Beesley had a great day at Headway Charity Shop, with her parent saying “She is working really well. She has used her initiative to organise some areas and is speaking to customers really well.” 

E Maher worked with her mother, a community midwife: “”Had a very cheery E Maher helping us Community Midwives today. She helped set up, took part and helped tidy up after a very busy Parent Education Class this morning where we had over 20 patients. She also helped the patients coming into Postnatal clinic this afternoon, answering doors, showing them where to go and generally making them comfortable prior to their appointments. She is a lovely young lady and smiled all day long which made us all happy as well. She was happy to do any tasks asked of her no matter how small.” 

J Nath worked with his uncle in the manufacturing industry, where he showcased his excellent listening and speaking skills: “He enjoyed the experience, asked a lot of questions and was an attentive listener. He also had the chance to design his own cup.” 

A Neal worked as a nursery nurse and did so well, she has been extended a future offer of employment: “She has been amazing, worked hard and had a fantastic attitude.” 

B Broadmore had a very active experience with the Fire Service. His dad said “He is having a good day. He’s been out in the fire engine and tried the breathing apparatus on.”

Those in school took part in a virtual work experience with Next Gen Makers, where they designed their own video games and put their artistic skills to the test, deigning their own character for the movies. Another group of pupils in school also took part in a live work experience session with the Civil Service. We were joined by Jack (a former Barr Beacon student) and Gemma, who both work in trade. After an insight into the many different roles within the Civil Service, pupils were then set a challenge to take part in their own mock trade negotiation. It was a tricky task that really tested our pupils’ communication and problem solving skills, as well as their ability to think on their feet.  

Every pupil in Year 8 took part in a special careers event that allowed them to meet numerous local employers and many of our Alumni. Our Speed Networking event gave pupils the chance to meet with our guests and speak to them about their careers and educational journeys, gaining important advice for their futures. Each small group of pupils had 5 minutes to speak to a guest, before we swapped the guests over. Pupils were therefore able to meet with at least 6 new people, developing their confidence communicating. It was also wonderful to welcome so many of our former Barr Beacon students back to the school, who are always so keen to volunteer and give back to the school that once supported them.  

Pupils met a veterinary surgeon, a conductor, an Assistant Cultural Heritage and Archaeology Consultant for WSP, a Wholesale Credit Underwriter for LE Capital UK, a mental health professional and Thoughtful Impact lead for Birmingham universities and hospitals, a Railway Engineer, a Junior PR and Content Executive for WPR Agency, a CIPD Lecturer at Wolverhampton College, site managers at Kier Construction and a freelance speaker and writer, specialising in psychiatric system change. 

Year 12 students with aspirations to apply to Cambridge enjoyed attending their recent open day. Students viewed a series of taster lectures, ranging from medicine through to Computer Science, and toured some of the colleges. It was a great opportunity to meet current students and hear their advice, as well as to listen to the professors and academics. The students also had time to explore the beautiful city of Cambridge.  

Year 8 pupils with the top praise points in their year were rewarded with a trip to the Inspiring the Black Country event at Wolverhampton Racecourse. Pupils had the chance to explore a vast array of interactive careers exhibits, allowing them to explore careers in construction, hospitality, security, healthcare and many more. 

One of our students, Jamie, was complimented by representatives from the construction company Equans for his “highly advanced building and problem solving skills”. Whilst pupil Gabriella said: “It was really fun. There was so much to do and I learnt about lots of new careers.”

The first of our Year 7 university taster days took place at Aston University, where pupils enjoyed exploring the vast campus and then used this as inspiration to design their own university. Pupils learnt all about the benefits of higher education and degree apprenticeships, taking part in quizzes to learn about university life and meeting current students. We were even lucky enough to be toured around the university by a former Barr Beacon pupil, Hibbah, who is enjoying her studies of Politics with Economics and about to enter her year in industry.  

Year 10 pupils with an interest in engineering attended a Taster Day at In-Comm Training, where they learnt more about the apprenticeship routes into these careers. Following a factory tour, pupils put their maths and science skills to the test, designing their own functioning arm using hydraulic and pneumatic power. Their models were then presented to two apprentices and a winner chosen. Each team created a successful model and took a unique approach.  

The pupils said: 

“I really enjoyed the tour and getting to see everyone at work.”

“I enjoyed making the model as we were given materials but no set way to build it, so we could be creative.”

“I learnt about the different types of engineering and the skills I need to talk about at interview to get a job.”

“I liked having the chance to build a functional device with a supportive team.”

Year 9 pupils took part in a workshop delivered by HS2 and the Smallpeice Trust. Pupils were introduced to the range of job roles in STEM that HS2 has to offer and had the chance to complete a number of challenges, including designing their own train station and building a sustainable bridge prototype. The winning bridge designs had to hold a heavy weight, with the most successful entries being from Team 1: F. Houghton, J. Keogh, G, Grant and K. Kapoor and Team 2: Y. Rayhaan, J. Gillon, T. Fajimi and D. Earl.  

Pupils enjoyed the chance to test their engineering abilities with some requesting more careers days like this in school in future.