Over the last four years, the careers team here at The Wilnecote School have worked hard to improve the quality and variety of careers based education and experience that we offer for all students. On Wednesday 22^nd March we hosted our first Careers Fair with over 50 visitors taking up a stand and talking to our students across all five year groups. 

 

We had people from Sixth Forms, universities and local businesses as well as apprenticeship providers, the armed forces, public services and nationwide companies such as Santander, Fed Ex and Network Rail. Volkswagon bought along a brand new VW Campervan Cornwall which the students were able to sit in and explore. Drayton Manor, Tamworth Coop Funeral Services, Lichfield FC and The Belfrey all offered year 10 students work experience places. Staffordshire Fire & Rescue offered the opportunity to try a specific equipment on, and many of the stands bought little take away items such as pens, badges and sweets. 

Each year group was given one hour to explore all of the stands. They were also given an activity sheet to complete which was tailored both to each year group and specific to the visitors that we had in school. This sheet was a starting point for our students to have conversations with the different adults as well as a place to record some of the huge amount of information they received that day. Students got to learn about skills and qualifications needed for different jobs, the range of options available once they leave high school and some of the experiences university offers. They also were given information on how and where to apply for apprenticeships as well as the different kinds available. The Polesworth School did a great job of explaining T-levels to students in years 10 and 11, giving many of them food for thought. There was also opportunity to discuss salary expectations, working patterns, uniform requirements and what happens on a daily basis in different jobs. There really was something for everyone.