Students prepare for the world of work

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” It’s a question that some students can answer confidently even in Year 7, even if plans may change as the years pass.

For others it may be that they have no idea, even as they approach Year 11. Some may have an idea but don’t know how to get there, and what skills they might need to reach their goal.

To help them make sense of the huge choice of jobs and careers that are available, students at The Radclyffe School will attend a variety of events at different stages, to equip them for further study and the world of work.

Year 8 Industry Day

Ahead of choosing their GCSE options, students in Year 8 got a first insight into the world of careers at their ‘Industry Day’.

Exhibitors from Sixth Form Colleges and Apprenticeship providers mixed with visitors from the National Health Service, Greater Manchester Police and even the Army.

An understanding of the huge choice of courses to study and job roles that students might wish to follow will provide ideas for the future.

Changing Horizons

A next step in awareness raising took some of our Year 9 students to Queen Elizabeth Hall in Oldham for a special event focussed on jobs in the Civil Service.

Around 440,000 people work in Civil Service roles around the UK and abroad. This event again showed our students the opportunities that are open to them, from Government ministries to the UK Border Force.

Learning that it’s more than just a job

Before they leave Year 9, our students learn that there is more to the world of work than just getting a job.

Earlier this term students attended an event called Learn to Earn. This aimed to equip them with skills they will need once they are working. The skills will be just as important to them as students or trainees.
From managing a budget and paying bills, to opening a bank account and even buying a house, students learned from business professionals what they need to know.

Getting the skills for getting the job

So you know the jobs that are out there, you know the training, and further and higher education courses that you can study to get you there. But what about the practical steps you will need to take to be the successful candidate?

In Year 10 students make the most of our Employability Masterclass. This answers the questions around how you build your CV, what to write in a cover letter, how to act and what to ask in an interview.

Miss Parkinson said, “Even if students enter the room with no knowledge at all, the masterclass will give them what they need with practical exercises building their key skills.”

North West Skills Event

Event City at The Trafford Centre provided the space for many more employers, trainers and colleges to guide our students, in Years 10 and 11 now, towards more opportunities that might interest them.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham was a guest when Year 11 attended, speaking to students and describing plans for free bus travel for young people, which could be helpful in travelling to college or to employment.

Careers education building a great foundation

A recent change has seen each faculty at The Radclyffe School have their own careers champion, linking the curriculum to careers, using real life work scenarios.

Students need outstanding advice and support to acquire the skills they will need in a 21st century economy. We are proud to say that our careers education meets the Government’s eight benchmarks of Good Careers Guidance.