STUDENTS have been taking an early look at life after school with a week-long examination of careers.
To mark National Careers Week, Laurence Jackson School dedicated a week to helping students explore future pathways, jobs and skills, giving young people the chance to learn about their options and develop their thinking about their future goals.
A variety of employer encounters and form time activities were staged to build their career awareness, increase their confidence and inspire them for the future.
Throughout the week, form-time activities encouraged students to build their career knowledge through interactive tasks, discussions and challenges designed to help them think about their interests, strengths and potential next steps.
Students engaged in an interactive ‘I didn’t know that was a job!’ activity each morning as well as receiving input in increasing their careers knowledge and awareness independently to support informed decision making.
Alongside these activities, the school welcomed a number of visiting professionals to speak directly with students about their careers and experiences.
Three senior staff from Amazon visited from the Darlington Fulfilment Centre, sharing insights into different roles and allowing students to try workplace equipment.
Members of the National Association of Women in Construction delivered an inspiring session for over 50 Year 9 and 10 girls, highlighting opportunities for women in construction.
Staff from Koch Technology Solutions and Anglo American led an engaging engineering session with hands-on activities and discussions about careers in the industry.
The week ended with a visit from Cleveland Police, where PC Omair Iqbal shared his career journey and insights into policing.
Careers adviser Caroline Larsen said: “We held drop-in sessions where students discussed career ideas and future pathways.
“It was an inspiring week in school that gave students the opportunity to explore a wide range of career pathways, develop their oracy skills and learn directly from professionals across industries.”