Another Amazing Careers Week

Students and staff have enjoyed a busy week learning about jobs in different work sectors as part of Melland High School’s annual Careers Week. With a jam-packed timetable and an abundance of volunteers, students participated in a wide array of different activities and utilised their Skills for Life across the week.

The week started on a high with the Speed Networking Event, students from across KS3, 4 & 5 used their communication skills to ask the employers quick fire questions about their roles. Students met with an extensive range of representatives from companies such as: Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Kloodle, ASK apprenticeships, the Army, Equal Education Chances, Siemens, Pure Innovations, The Space Group, CRUK construction, FEC, The Growth Company, Factory International, Kiely Group, Career Connect, Charity Sector and Manchester City.

Across the week, students participated in a wide range of employer encounters from different job sectors and educational settings including: One Stop, Learning Curve, Venture Arts, Security for Waterloo Road, a DJ, Greater Manchester Police, Factory International, The Fold, CRUK construction, Building Your Skills, Equal Education Chances, Clyde & Co, Dakota Hotels, 0161 Boxing Project, Manchester Airport Group, Brighter Sounds, Women’s American Football and Equans. Students gained insight into these diverse careers through asking thoughtful and challenging questions. They also developed their self-belief by having the confidence to ask questions of adults they were unfamiliar with.

Students also participated in a number of workshops with businesses such as: Equans, Everfi, Biffa, Eric Wright, Dakota Hotel, Equal Education Chances and 0161 Boxing Project. Pupils had to demonstrate teamwork and problem-solving skills to work cooperatively to accomplish different tasks such as building structures from wooden dowels, building a bridge that could hold a car, waiting tables, styling hair and practising boxing skills. Students from KS5 also visited the local fire station to find out about roles in the fire service

KS3 and 4 students had a day off timetable to sample a carousel of work sectors including Engineering, Creative, Sport, Retail, Hospitality, Health & Beauty and Tourism. Students had a whirlwind day of role play working as airport security, designing egg holders, pitching ideas to ‘Alan Sugar’ on the apprentice, waiting tables, working in a shop, making beds, working in a hair salon and much more. Students exhibited excellent self-management, independence and punctuality by following a busy schedule, being flexible in their routine and ensuring they moved to their next session promptly.

We had a wonderful turn out of ex-pupils for the Alumni Panel and the current students particularly enjoyed hearing the inspirational stories of how they got into their current role. The alumni were a fantastic example of how empowering young people with employability skills can lead to a more diverse and inclusive workplace.

Students were supported throughout the week by our qualified careers adviser from Career Connect. They had access to drop in guidance sessions to answer any questions that arose during careers week and help them to make informed decisions about their careers and futures.

Overall, it was a fantastic week where students had the opportunity to explore a broad and varied range of career paths, learn from the local labour market and connect with employers and professionals. All of the students have been a credit to the school and excellent role models and ambassadors. A huge thank you to all the staff involved in supporting careers week. It was able to run smoothly by everyone being so flexible, accommodating and welcoming to the visitors.