At this incredibly successful event, students had the opportunity to have direct contact with representatives from a wide range of top universities, training providers and employers from a variety of industries including Engineering, Finance, Accountancy, Law, Construction, the Forces and Healthcare, to understand what they offer, how they can apply and the future careers accessible to them.

They were able to find out more about what employers are looking for in young people, the range of pathways post-16 and post-18, have direct conversations with apprenticeship providers and trainers, learn more about the different qualifications they can gain, and find out more about university entry requirements, courses, routes and pathways. 

Events like this are crucial in enabling students be more equipped and resilient for the ever-changing world of work, which in turn, helps them to make better-informed decisions at all their transition points.

The academy’s Sixth Form students were also able to make direct contacts, and links to assist with any part-time work, and their work experience placements later this year. Parents were able to join in later in the day meet the visitors with their children and continue the career conversations.

Julie Thompson, Career Lead at Kettering Science Academy, said: “It was a fantastic turnout, and we felt so well-supported by both national and local companies and organisations. Students from the lower school had interaction sheets to complete, with some ideas of the sorts of questions to ask the different sectors, which really helped them to focus and get the confidence to talk to our visitors.

“We cannot thank all our partners enough for giving up their valuable time to come to school, for their exciting stands which were of interest to our students and for all their invaluable advice. They’ve really helped our students to understand the pathways and careers available to them in the future more clearly.”

Career Ambassadors were also on hand to assist the visitors with all their needs during the afternoon, regularly providing much-needed refreshments.