Our Inspired Futures team hosted the annual ‘Year 10 Careers Focus Day’ in June, providing students with an exciting opportunity to explore a wide range of career pathways and gain valuable insight into their future options.
The day began with an inspiring keynote presentation from Cheryl Jackson, Learning Operations Manager at Avanti West Coast. Cheryl captivated students by sharing her own career journey, offering honest reflections on the opportunities, challenges and decisions that helped shape her success. Her powerful message encouraged students to take the time to discover careers that align with their strengths, interests and ambitions, reminding them of the importance of finding the right path and “climbing the right ladder” in life.
Throughout the day, students took part in four interactive career sessions of their choice, giving them direct access to professionals from a diverse range of industries and organisations. Sessions included opportunities to learn about careers in the NHS, Gaming (Lucid Games), Childcare (Cornerhouse Nursery Group) , Entrepreneurship, Sport (LLS Online and Keele University), Accountancy and Finance (RSMUK), Construction (Brenden Fern), Animal Care (Reaseheath College), Hair and Beauty (Newcastle College NSCG), Creative Industries (Actuate Agency), Engineering (Balfour Beatty), Law (Express Solicitors Manchester), Policing and the Military (MPCT), as well as pathways through apprenticeships, college and university.
Representatives from organisations including Barclays, the National Horseracing College and a variety of post-16 providers shared their expertise, experiences and advice, helping students gain a real-world understanding of the opportunities available to them.
The event was a tremendous success and would not have been possible without the enthusiasm, commitment and generosity of all the employers, providers and speakers who gave their time to support our students. We are incredibly grateful for their contribution in helping to inspire the next generation.
We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to all the businesses and organisations that welcomed our students during their ‘Go To Work Days’ in June. In particular, we are grateful to our local primary schools, Trentham Estate, Balfour Beatty and Likewize, who all provided opportunities for so many of our students.
These invaluable workplace experiences allow young people to develop their understanding of the world of work, build confidence and make informed decisions about their future education and career choices. As our students prepare to enter Year 11 and begin planning their next steps, experiences such as these play a vital role in helping them realise their potential and broaden their aspirations.
We hope all of our Year 10 students left the week feeling inspired, informed and excited about the opportunities that lie ahead.
