Exploring Future Careers: Cumbrian School's 'World of Work Day' Inspires Pupils

Pupils from The Nelson Thomlinson School in Wigton recently participated in an inspiring 'World of Work Day', engaging with 22 external companies through mock interviews and a careers fair. This annual event, held on July 10, aimed to empower Year 10 pupils by providing them with meaningful encounters with potential employers, helping them to consider their future career paths and the qualifications required.

The day was meticulously organized by Julia Mullarkey, the school's careers leader, with planning starting before Christmas. The event not only included mock interviews for Year 10 pupils but also a careers fair for Year 7, 8, and 10 pupils, offering a wide range of career opportunities from local employers.

Key highlights of the event included:

• Mock interviews conducted by companies such as Bensons, Innovia, and Dodd Accountants, giving pupils a taste of the professional world.
• Career exploration sessions led by Moneywise Credit Union and ASK Apprenticeships, broadening pupils' understanding of various industries.
• Personalized timetables for each pupil, including suggested questions for employers, ensuring a tailored and engaging experience.

The school's approach to the event was highly pupil-centric, with employers selected based on feedback from previous surveys to ensure relevance. This strategy proved successful, with some pupils even securing future job offers as a result of their participation.

The careers fair also welcomed Year 7, 8, and 9 pupils, helping them to link their school subjects with potential careers and reinforcing the importance of their GCSE choices. The event was praised by both the school and participating companies, highlighting its positive impact on pupils' career aspirations.

Participating companies spanned a diverse range of industries, from engineering and accounting to healthcare and the arts, providing pupils with a comprehensive overview of the opportunities available to them.