Pupils from across the area met big name employers including JP Morgan, Cobham and Wessex Water at the St Aldhelm’s Academy Careers Fair.
The event on Thursday (November 10) was attended by over 40 companies and education providers and was organised with the support of the Rotary Club of Parkstone.
Ewen Davidson, President elect of Parkstone Rotary, said: “This is St Aldhelm’s second, annual careers fair and the turn out from both pupils and businesses has been extremely encouraging.”
He continued: “Businesses exhibiting for the first time this year include Wessex Water, which is currently looking to recruit 40 apprentices.
“We’re also very pleased to have Coleman Insurance, Siemens, Saffery Champness Accountants, Trethowans Solicitors, members of Dorset Police and the armed forces.”
Kacie Sanders was intrigued by the flight simulator being showcased by global defence giant Cobham.
The Year 10 St Aldhelm’s pupil, said: “I’m studying for my GCSEs at the moment but I would love to become a pilot. My next stop today is at the Royal Air Force stand.”
Former St Aldhelm’s pupil Casey-Jo O’Brien revealed how the career fair has already helped her make important choices about her future.
She explained: “I came to the fair last year and was introduced to the outdoor adventure company Land and Wave.
“I’m now studying on its BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma and hope to eventually become a travel rep specialising in sports.
“I’m also helping to man the Land and Wave stand today and am talking to current pupils about the opportunities on offer.”
Diana Wilks, HR manager with More Bus said: “We’re been really impressed by the Fair.
“More Bus is keen to recruit young engineers, and the pupils we have talked to have been interested to hear that the bus company which takes them to and from school could also offer them an exciting career.”
St Aldhelm’s executive principal, Sian Thomas, said: “In what has become an increasingly competitive job market, it is crucial that Year 10 and 11 students start thinking about the best employment or educational route to take after leaving school.
“The careers fair is an excellent platform to find out about career opportunities post 16 and the event has had a real buzz about it.”
The Fair was attended by pupils and parents from St Aldhelm’s Academy, Parkfield School, Oak Academy and St Edward’s School.
For more information about exhibiting at the next St Aldhelm’s Career Fair please email Jon Webb on: JWebb@staldhelms-academy.co.uk
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Media information – Debbie Granville, account director at Deep South Media, on 01202 534487 mobile: 07884 657782 or email: debbie.granville@deepsouthmedia.co.uk
Picture caption
Careers fair at St Aldhelm’s Academy. Former St Aldhelm’s pupil Casey-Jo O’Brien shows students around the Outdoor Adventure and Sport stand.
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SMILE AND WAVE: Former St Aldhelm’s pupil Casey-Jo O’Brien (left) shows students the Land and Wave stand.
Notes for editors
St Aldhelm’s was taken over by Ambitions Academies Trust in June 2015.
Under a new leadership team led by Executive Principal Sian Thomas, the school has since been removed from special measures and is now graded Good.
Ambitions Academies Trust (AAT), formerly Tregonwell Multi-Academy Trust, comprises schools from all sectors – mainstream (primary and secondary) and special. These are: Queen’s Park Academy, Longspee Special School, King’s Park Academy, Manorside Academy, St Aldhelm’s Academy, Little Ambers Nursery and Ambitions Teaching School (formerly Tregonwell Academy).
