Warrington & Vale Royal College is dedicated to turning qualifications into successful careers – a key part of this mission is offering students meaningful opportunities to connect with a wide range of employers.
While this is embedded throughout their time at college, Careers Week – held twice a year – provides a focused, inspiring experience for students to explore career paths and engage with industry professionals.
Throughout the week, a variety of employers and universities visited the college to offer students hand-on workshops, guest lectures, and masterclasses. The week began with insightful sessions led by professionals such as Allie Swindlehurst from Job Centre Plus, Lisa Thomspon from the NHS, and Gareth Jones from Bob Jones & Associates, Inc. One highlight of the week was the Engineering Employer Breakfast, held in Buckley’s Restaurant, inviting local engineering companies to explore how they can collaborate with the college’s Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering Academy.
As the week progressed, the college hosted representatives from Warrington Borough Council’s Mental Health Outreach Team, Salford University, and Kinaxia Logistics. A Counselling Placement & Supervisor Fair offered current counselling students the opportunity to connect with placement providers, enhancing their hands-on learning and professional experience.
Midweek, the college held a Careers Fair featuring a whole host of organisations and universities including The Armed Forces, Eurofins, Warrington Disability Partnership, Edge Hill University, Manchester Metropolitan University, Keele University, and many more! At the same time, a sector-specific Jobs Fair was also taking place in the college’s Health & Social Care Academy, where those interested in Health & Social Care, Early Years and Counselling engaged with a range of industry professionals to learn more about the various employment opportunities available within the sector.
Thursday expanded students’ career perspectives further, with representatives from Salon Services, Culture Warrington, and Screen Manchester sharing insights into their industries. Screen Manchester’s visit came at an exciting time as the college has just announced its new partnership with the company, who is the film office for Manchester City Council. This partnership will provide fantastic opportunities for those studying in the college’s Advanced Creative & Digital Skills Academy.
The week ended with a workshop led by Ben from the University of Salford, guiding students through the UCAS application process. Software developers, KDE, also came along to discuss what they do and career opportunities in the sector, along with MacIntyre who spoke to the college’s health & social care students about career opportunities in the social work industry. Meanwhile, the college’s Apprenticeships Team delivered valuable sessions on the apprenticeship application process – an excellent option for those looking to earn while they learn.
Proudly positioned as Your Career College, Warrington & Vale Royal College is dedicated to preparing students for the world of work. The college extends its heartfelt thanks to every representative who took time out of their busy schedules to support making Careers Week a success. The students have undoubtedly learnt a lot this week about their future studies or careers.
If you are an employer and would like to support future events like this, please contact [email protected] or call 01925 494 271.