STUDENTS got a head start on planning their futures at a school careers and higher education fair which showcased the vast array of opportunities available.
More than 50 exhibitors, including law and engineering firms, public relations and design companies, accountants, banks and luxury hotels, gave Ripon Grammar School pupils a taste of some of the choices they have on leaving school.
The principal message from employers was that work experience and being able to perform well in a team is key, with many urging students to explore the variety of career paths open to them, including apprenticeships and workplace-funded degrees.
Universities and colleges from all over the UK, gap year advisors, the police and Armed Forces were also represented at the event, which attracted more than 460 students and parents.
Past pupil Toby Kinread, now an account manager for the Swedish bank Handelbanken, told students that getting work experience with prospective employers was vital: “I did a summer internship. Most investment and private banks recruit from those who get placements with them. It will also give you a taste of the job.”
Toby, who left RGS in 2013 to study international relations at the University of St Andrews, also emphasised that it doesn’t matter which degree students choose: “Banks are keen on variety and want to know more about your interests. Do you watch the Bloomberg channel and read the Financial Times, for example?”
Nichola Coleman of Lancaster University agreed, advising students to study what they enjoy and have a true interest in, in order to get the most out of their time at university.
Another top tip came from Army recruiter Elizabeth Taylor, who told pupils that the Army, which offers a range of opportunities – including sponsored degrees – in everything from engineering to medicine, was looking for ‘personality’, as well as physical and intellectual potential in recruits.
Sixth form boarding student Dipraj Jimee, 17, who plans to take a degree in computer science, said he found the event particularly useful: “I discovered a lot more about work experience and apprenticeships, as well as bursary schemes in the Army.”
Dipraj, 17, from Surrey, who is studying maths, chemistry and history at A-level, added: “It’s made me think about possibly doing something a bit different.”
Another sixth form boarder, Toby Antcliff, 17, from Kirby Moorside, who wants to work in design engineering, said he found out much more about the wide range of options in his field, including work experience opportunities.
“It’s been really helpful. I’ve spoken to some of the universities offering product design and also some graphic design companies. It’s great to be more aware of what’s out there.”
Simon Armitage, a tax manager with Saffery Champness chartered accountants, was one of many employers advising students of the importance of demonstrating strong personal qualities.
“You have to be able to show that you can work as part of a team and manage your time so that you can cope with day-to-day work, studying for a professional qualification and having a life outside that,” he said.
He added that the leap from school or university into the world of work could be difficult: “Any kind of work experience, whether in a café, bar or an office, anything which shows you can cope with the discipline of work, will be beneficial.”
And he told students to consider the benefits of school leaver programmes: “In accountancy or tax your career can progress ahead of those who go straight to university.”
Student Abi Burke agreed: “I think it is really helpful to be able to explore career paths other than university, so I can make an informed decision about which route is most suitable for me.”
Hattie Eve, 18, a boarder from Helmsley studying geography, biology and PE who plans to take a gap year before university, summed up the event: “It has opened my eyes to lots of different opportunities. I got lots of good advice.”
Jill Locke, head of careers at Ripon Grammar School, added: “I am delighted to have so many universities, colleges and businesses here who are able to offer such excellent advice, as well as fantastic work experience opportunities, for students of all ages across the school.