Year 9 students from local high schools have been given inspiration about the variety of careers which are available to them after school at Work Inspiration, held at the College.
On Tuesday 11th February, the College was proud to host Work Inspiration, a careers fair with a difference which is organised by Business in the Community, the College, STEMFirst and Pendle Borough Council. The event was designed to provide students with an opportunity to explore potential careers, through a display of employer-led practical activities and to provide aspirational career goals for the students of Pendle.
Work Inspiration gave Year 9 students from all six Pendle schools the chance to meet and talk to real people with real experiences. Students were able to perform tasks related to the different industries during interactive displays, which demonstrated to them the skills required to work in a particular field. Courtney Lee, a Year 9 student from Central Pendle Academy who attended the event, was especially thrilled with the displays, and with Work Inspiration itself: “It was something different, a chance to think about the future and a great opportunity to try practical things. I’m now thinking about being an engineer in the forces!”
All of the companies that attended Work Inspiration were local employers. North West Aerospace Alliance, Unison Engine Components, Johnson Matthey, NR Engineering, Hycrome Europe Ltd, Art of Plastering and Bae Systems represented the Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering sector. The Army, Lancashire Constabulary, Pendle Borough Council’s Tourism department and East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust represented Public Services. Businesswise Solutions Ltd, Daisy Group PLC and Nelson and Colne College Business Centre represented the Business and Services sector. Construction and Sustainability were represented by Pendle Borough Council’s Engineering and Special Projects department, New Ground, Chris Pugh Photography and Kedel. Concept 4 represented Creative and Digital Media. Roaming Roosters, Pendle Leisure Trust, Live Like The Boy, Wyndham Vacation Rentals UK and The Alma Inn represented the Retail and Leisure sector.
The College was delighted with the success of the event. Students were encouraged to consider career paths they otherwise may not have and inspired by the companies’ talks and activities. Work Inspiration was one of many ways in which the College helps students to develop their career aspirations and encourages every young person to be the best they can be.
Andrew Ackroyd, Head of Careers at Park High School, was full of praise for the Work Inspiration event, saying that, “It was of great benefit for our students at Park High School. It was inspiring and motivating for our students, especially given the interactive nature of the different activities on offer. A diverse variety of employers across several fields ensured that there was something on offer for every student. As a direct result of interacting with adults in ‘the real world’, students have ultimately enhanced their inter-personal skills which will ultimately make them more attractive to potential employers in the future.”
