Early Careers Event – 17th November 2022

Thursday 17th November saw the first ever Careers Fair at Northallerton School and not only was this the first of its kind held at the school but it was also an entirely new initiative in the Careers Fair world as this was aimed at engaging younger children from Years 5 and 6 from the local primary schools and for Northallerton School’s own Year 7 students with the aim of generating interest in the world of careers to improve engagement with school, motivation for learning and in aiming high.

Over 25 businesses and the local services were invited to attend and bring activities, games and competitions to interest the children and they did not disappoint!  From bringing in pets, interactive welding machines, a fire engine, ambulance, Barclays activity van and a wealth of kit and curiosities from museums and the armed forces as well as the numerous goody bags and prizes up for grabs, the input from everyone who attended was overwhelming and the generosity shown was inspiring and humbling.  

The support for the Early Careers Event received ensured that the afternoon was a roaring success and that each of the children who attended and also their parents, carers and staff had a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon whilst learning about the various careers and industry represented.  Comments from the excited children served as testimony to a successful afternoon with comments such as ‘I have enjoyed the event and have lots to think about’; ‘it was exciting to find out about different opportunities and about getting a job and an excellent showcase of careers and the school’.

Local businesses and services including the British Army, WSP Construction, NHS, Severfield Engineering, NHS, Railway Museum, Barclays, Pets at Home, Kiplin Hall Museum, Darlington Hippodrome, Bowes Museum, Severfield Engineering, LEAF STEM, the Police, Fire Service and Ambulance all gave up their time and energy.

‘It’s great to be involved in a wide variety of agencies which can offer the children support and advice in helping them choose their future careers’ said PCSO Dougie from North Yorkshire Police.

Jill from Severfield Engineering said  ‘I think it’s brilliant that employers can come to the school and meet their potential next generation of employees and become more involved in our community’  The NYAS ambulance team, Jay and Stefan said ‘This is the first event of its kind for us and it’s so nice to see the children showing such an interest in the public services.’.

Colleges of Further and Higher Education such as Askham Bryan, The University of Newcastle upon Tyne and the University of Ripon and York were on hand to support and engage with activities and information about College and University life and the wealth of courses available to students of all levels and interests and parents and carers were astounded by the wide range of opportunities available; ‘What a stunning display, a wide range of jobs and the kids are really keen’ said Mrs Andrew.

The Year 7 children had been invited to take part in a ‘Being the Best We Can Be’ Art Competition with Lily R 7JS, Charlie W 7LJO, Rosie W 7AST, Emilia W 7AST, Sophie R 8BDA, Emilia C 7AST and Ellie-May W 7LJO were all fantastic winners and their artwork is proudly displayed at school.

The children have clearly learned a lot from the event and from seeing what is available to them to aim high at school.  It has definitely given them the wherewithal to aspire and achieve and to be ‘The Best They Can Be!’ 

Northallerton School & Sixth Form College would like to say a huge thank you to all the businesses, services and college representatives who attended and for the activities and games and energy brought in especially to entertain and engage the children. We have made lots of fantastic new partnerships and we are looking forward to working closely together again in the near future.

Dr Jane Scott, Careers Advisor for Northallerton School and organiser of the event said ‘What a fantastic opportunity and experience this has been for local primary school children and our Year 7 students, a first event of its kind and definitely a gateway for more to come. The success is testimony to the generosity of the providers and staff across the Trust who have put so much effort in ensuring this was an engaging and inspiring event for everyone involved’

Richard Crane, the CEO of the Areté Learning Trust said ‘This was a brilliant event which pupils from both Northallerton School & Sixth Form College and our partner primaries really enjoyed. I’d like to say a big thank you to colleagues who organised the event, and also to all of the external partners who attended and worked with our pupils throughout the day’.

Mrs Vicki Rahn, Headteacher of Northallerton School and Sixth Form College said:  ‘Great to see Year 6 and Year 7 students engaging with a huge variety of careers and different pathways. Students left the event inspired and understanding where their education can lead to.  A really powerful message at the start of their secondary school experience’.

The Trust Careers Team – Mrs Liz Mannion, Dr Jane Scott, Ms Anna Cox,  Ms Ruth Hamer, Mr Pete Soroczan, were all absolutely delighted with the turn out and the commitment to the event shown by all the attendees and wish to thank the Sixth Form students; Rose K, Jess T, Rimini C, Josh J and Priya M for their tireless support throughout the day!