Whole-school careers day was huge success

THE first-ever whole-school Careers Fair at Birchwood High School proved to be a huge success. 
The event was held in Birchwood College and the whole of the ground floor was filled with exhibitors from a variety of businesses and further and higher education providers.
Representatives were present from major universities and colleges included Birchwood College, Myerscough College and Reaseheath College.
The NHS, Navy, Army and RAF and businesses from fields such as engineering and science, beauty, hospitality and service industries were also represented.
Students also got the opportunity to speak to a number of inspiring apprentices to get a feel for this career path.
All year groups from Year 7 to Year 13 attended the fair. The aim was to highlight the links between education and employment, to raise learners’ motivation to succeed in school, and take part in extra-curricular activities and work experience throughout learners’ school and college life.
Prior to visiting the fair, students were involved in activities about career paths available to them. They were provided with a list of exhibitors so that they could look at areas which might be of interest and prepare questions they might like to ask about particular paths.
Feedback from students was really positive. They felt the fair showcased the range of options available to them after Year 11 and beyond, giving them a positive focus and a real goal to work toward. There was also excellent feedback from the visitors who found students well prepared for the day, asking good questions and being positive regarding their aims for the future.
One exhibitor said: “This full school careers day is a fine example of a school providing their students with lots of opportunities from a range of providers! I had lots of meaningful conversations with young people inspired by engineering and STEM subjects.”
The event looks set to become a permanent fixture in the Birchwood High School calendar.