STUDENTS at Warrington & Vale Royal College have been exploring future career opportunities, meeting employers and developing essential employability skills during a packed week of activities.
The college’s latest Careers Week, held from Monday, October 12, to Friday, October 16, brought together employers, universities and industry professionals to help students prepare for life beyond college.
A wide range of organisations supported the programme, offering mock interviews, workshops, guest speaker sessions, industry visits and advice on higher education and career progression.
The week began with a focus on employability and further education, with Barlow’s delivering mock interviews to help students build confidence ahead of future recruitment processes.
The Royal Air Force outlined the variety of careers available within the organisation, while Edge Hill University and Keele University provided guidance on higher education and challenged common misconceptions about university study.
Construction students studying T Level Design, Surveying and Planning took part in a presentation and mock interviews with Gleeds. Four students will subsequently be selected for industry placements with the organisation, providing a valuable opportunity to gain practical experience.
Health and Social Care students also heard from Hummingbird Home Care representatives about their career journeys and experiences in the sector.
Tuesday saw further employer engagement across a range of subjects. Hairdressing students heard from Elementum Hair, while Health and Social Care students took part in mock interviews with Right at Home.
The University of Salford provided advice on choosing and applying for university, while Serco delivered sessions for business and accounting students covering interview techniques and answering questions.
Art and Design students visited Yorkshire Sculpture Park for inspiration, while Travel and Tourism students enjoyed an educational visit to Chester Zoo.
Early Years students also welcomed representatives from Dunky’s Day Nurseries for a guest speaker session, mock interviews and a question-and-answer activity.
The programme continued on Wednesday, with Serco returning to deliver additional sessions across different curriculum areas.
Hairdressing students benefited from industry-focused visits from Salon Services and Alan Howard, while EK Elites delivered mock interviews and practical skills workshops for sport students.
Caring Connections and Cheshire Police introduced students to career opportunities in health, social care and policing. Liverpool Hope University offered advice on selecting the right university course, while Travel and Tourism students took part in practical workshops led by SkyPeople.
Hospitality and Catering students also heard from representatives of the Park Royal Hotel about career opportunities within the hospitality industry.
Thursday continued the focus on progression, with Kids Planet delivering mock interviews and a question-and-answer session for Early Years students.
Art and Design students attended a drawing workshop led by the Liverpool Empire Theatre, while Balfour Beatty outlined opportunities in the construction industry.
Futureworks, a local higher education provider, introduced students to progression routes in the creative industries.
BMS Progress delivered practical workshops on CV writing and interview techniques, while We Change Lives provided an insight into careers within the charity and support services sector.
The week concluded on Friday with sessions from 247 Group and Warrington Borough Council, giving students a better understanding of careers within the organisations and guidance on personal branding.
The college said the activities had helped students develop the skills and confidence needed to present themselves professionally and make informed decisions about their futures.
It thanked all the employers, organisations and higher education partners who contributed to the programme, highlighting the importance of working closely with industry to prepare students for employment and further study.
Employers interested in supporting future Careers Weeks or working with students through guest speaking, industry placements, mock interviews, workshops or recruitment activities are encouraged to contact employers@wvr.ac.uk.
The college’s next Careers Week is scheduled for March, with preparations already under way.
