Careers Fair success
Future opportunities came into sharp focus when the Academy hosted its largest ever Careers Fair.
Exhibitors from a variety of sectors gave students an insight into many professions and advised on subjects and qualifications. Year groups across the academy had allocated times to visit the fair.
Curriculum Leader and Careers Lead Laura Brown organised the event and was delighted by the response from visitors and students.
"This is the largest we have done so far," she said.
"It's incredibly important. These are the key years where we can plant seeds about their futures.
"Days like this also build confidence and encourage a range of different skills, including communication.
"This is a rural community and it's terrific to bring employers here. There are some terrific opportunities and we really appreciate them coming to our school.
"It is also a fun event and a highlight on the calendar. It brings the community together and gets the children thinking about careers after school.
"The day is the missing link that transfers what they learn in the classroom to the workplace. It broadens horizons and makes students think about things they would not ordinarily think about."
A team from Butlin's in Skegness were among those visiting the academy for the first time.
Recruitment manager Jules Eales was impressed.
"Students have been so engaged and it's been refreshing," she said. "They have asked good questions. Some of them are only young but they have clearly thought about their futures."
Laura had asked if the firm would exhibit when the pair met at a network event at Butlin's.
"I said absolutely we would and here we are. It's the right thing as a business to do, supporting local schools and colleges.
"We have a lot of opportunities and career paths we can offer at Butlin's and, of course, many of the children here have holidayed with us in Skegness."
Isobelle Clifford (12) was one of the students taking a keen interest in what the Butlin's team had to offer.
"I love cooking and that drew me to the stand," she said.
"There are lots of things here I am considering as a career as well as cooking such as equestrian, fashions and performing arts."
A popular attraction at the fair was the fire engine brought along by staff from Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue.
Josh Hainsworth (12) was thinking about a career in the fire brigade after being inspired by US drama Station 19.
"I've watched a lot of it and want to do something like this when I'm older," he said.
"It all looks very cool."
Dennis Riley had a chat with Chief Petty Officer Daniel Moore, on the Royal Navy's stand and tried on a Royal Marine beret for size.
"I'm not sure what I'd like to do," said the 13-year-old. "I'm looking around the fair and you have a chance to experience what you can do when you grow up."
Chief Petty Officer Moore, based at RAF Wittering, ran the recruitment team covering the East Midlands.
"80% of our career entrants are apprenticeships now – we have a big push on them. The others are post-graduate or post A-level," he said.
Other exhibitors included the Army, RAF, Lincolnshire County Council, the National Horseracing College, Wilkin Chapman Rollits solicitors and further education colleges and sixth forms.
Principal Jake Bailey thanked Mrs Brown for organising the event.
"It's been a fantastic day for our students and they've had some terrific advice from our visitors," he said.
"We are grateful for our visitors' time and input. I know many of our students have been inspired by what they have seen and learned today."
Organiser Laura Brown dons firefighting gear watched by pupils Katie Pennell (left) and Lilly Bowler.
Firefighter Heidi Taylor shows Josh Hainsworth how to roll out a hose.
Dennis Riley with Chief Petty Officer Moore at the Royal Navy’s stand.
Assistant Head of Toll Bar Sixth Form Katie Clorley with students at the fair.
The Butlins team (left to right) Brandon Clark, Kirbee Yarnord and Jules Eales with students Isobelle Clifford, Lola Howseman and Lilli Marshall.
The busy Careers Fair at Somercotes Academy.
