Students across Laurus Trust secondary schools and Sixth Forms experienced valuable encounters with employers, universities and further education providers during National Apprenticeship Week and National Careers Week.
These events have underscored the value and impact of the Trust’s comprehensive Careers Education, Information, Advice, and Guidance (CEIAG) programme, with over 17,500 student encounters taking place in recent weeks.
National Apprenticeship Week
During National Apprenticeship Week, nearly 4,000 students from Laurus secondary schools and Sixth Forms participated in the Greater Manchester Learning Provider Network (GMLPN) ASK Programme. Additionally, over 3,000 students attended a session with Macclesfield College, learning about apprenticeship opportunities post Year 11. These engagements provided students with invaluable insights into the apprenticeship pathways available to them, equipping them with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their futures. A further 3,000 students were also provided with information regarding Degree Apprenticeships by the Manchester Metropolitan University outreach team.
National Careers Week
National Careers Week has been equally impactful, featuring a series of live broadcasts and talks from industry leaders. On Friday, February 28th, Richard Mortimer, Head of Economy, Work & Skills at Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council (SMBC), kicked off the week with a Tutor Link session to over 2,000 students. Following this, on Monday, March 3rd, Adam Wilson, Director at IPEX Ltd, captivated 2,250 Laurus students with his insights into the telecommunications industry.
Tuesday, March 4th, saw Graham Glasgow, Head of Wholesale at Montirex Ltd, engage over 2,200 students with a comprehensive Careers Briefing about Montirex, its history, rapid growth, and future plans. Graham’s session provided students with valuable advice on entering the sports industry, highlighting the diverse career opportunities available.
On Wednesday, March 5th, Michael Black, PE Teacher, continued the momentum with another Tutor Link session to over 2,000, offering students a glimpse into teaching and the opportunities through sports.
Sixth Form Launchpad
Laurus Ryecroft Sixth Form students also benefited from Launchpad talks, hearing from Wendy Mason, Chief Financial Officer at the Laurus Trust, and Kirk Wadsworth from Lancaster University. These sessions provided students with strategic insights into finance and higher education, further enriching their understanding of potential career paths.
At Hazel Grove Sixth Form, students were lucky enough to meet Dan Ovens – Head of Strategic Alliances at Inciper Ltd – Microsoft Partner, as part of the continuing Careers Briefings. Dan provided useful insights on corporate life, his background at Microsoft and the value of “putting yourself out there” and “being brave”.
Graham Street, Trust Lead for CEIAG, expressed his thanks, saying:
“We are incredibly thankful to all the employers, employees, universities, and further education providers who have supported our students by providing valuable careers advice and guidance. Their contributions have been instrumental in helping our students understand the vast array of opportunities available to them and in preparing them for successful futures.”
A Comprehensive CEIAG Programme
The Laurus Trust’s CEIAG programme is designed to ensure that students receive thorough and well-informed career education and guidance. The programme’s success is evident in the high levels of student engagement and the positive feedback received from participants.
The Laurus Trust remains committed to providing students with exceptional career education and guidance. The engagements during National Apprenticeship Week and National Careers Week have demonstrated the Trust’s dedication to preparing students for successful futures. We look forward to continuing to support our students as they navigate their career journeys.
For more information about Careers Education across Laurus Trust schools, visit: https://www.laurustrust.co.uk/life-after-laurus/