As part of National Careers Week, our pupils were invited to an inaugural Careers Day event to shape their futures with the help of local businesses, universities and apprenticeship providers.

Students from Year 9 upwards were informed and advised about available opportunities within Cumbria and further afield, with a series of sessions and guest speeches also taking place throughout the day – covering topics such as personal statements, preparing for interviews, resilience and student finance.

Workshops were delivered by Thomas Graham, Canoes, Mountains and Caves, Gen 2, Cumbria University, Cumbria CVS, CSG Talent, Northumbria University, HSBC, Chamber of Commerce and Macrebur.

Employers in attendance were from a range of sectors and included Sellafield, EY, DNV, Castlemilk and Corrie Estates, React Engineering, Glasgow Caledonian University, Tullie House, Blood Bikes, Dodd and Co., Armstrong Watson, Diocese, British Army, Cartmell Solicitors, Brampton Medical, Royal Navy, NHS, Cumbria Police, Cubby Construction, North West Ambulance Service, Westmorland and Furness County Council, District Nursing Team and Cumbria Fire Service.

Ms Care, Head of Careers at Austin Friars, organised the event and said: “We could never have anticipated the success of this event, and would like to thank everyone involved for supporting our pupils.”

“Choosing a career or training pathway can be a confusing decision to make, and the aim of events like this is to help students to make an informed decision.”

Year 10 pupil Isla Newton said: “The event was beneficial and showcased lots of options that you can go into once you leave school.

“Before attending I wanted to be a nurse but, after speaking to the NHS team, now want to become a paramedic.”

Year 12 student Xander Evans said: “I found the Careers Day informative and discovered Strathclyde University there, who I hadn’t heard of previously.

“I’ve wanted to be an engineer for the last 10 years and hope to study in the aerospace sector.”

We also celebrated National Careers Week with other events - including a trip to UCAS Discovery Exhibition in Manchester, enterprise tasks, obstacle courses, bleep tests and teamwork challenges.