The Stephen Longfellow Academy provided its students with direct contact with a range of employers, colleges, universities, and training providers. Students in Years 10 & 11 were invited and supported to attend the Next Gen Choices Fair on 10 October 2023. The Next Gen Careers Fair is a yearly event which supports our students consider their options post 16.
Prior to the event, students were spoken to about the benefit of visiting the careers fair, the providers who would be present and its importance for their futures. Due to the needs of our students the quietest time slot was selected with the least number of schools attending.
At the fair, students were exposed to different post-16 pathways and providers, colleges such as: Leeds City College, Leeds College of Building, Askham Bryan College, Notre Dame College, and many more were present. Employers such as the Army, Navy, Jet2, Manning Stainton and other apprenticeship providers were in attendance. The event was positive experience for students.
Most of the students engaged well with the providers and their staff members. Stephen Longfellow Academy students also had the support of the careers team to help them initiate conversations with providers as needed so that there was maximum engagement. For those students who missed out on the day, an internal Careers Fair will be held by the Careers Team in January 2024.
Student comments were positive about the experience and included:
“I going to do Bricklaying at College of Building, when I leave” Year 10 student.
“I didn’t know before that Leeds City College offer apprenticeships too.” Year 11 student.
86% of the students said the Careers Fair had made them more aware of their post 16 options and
86% said they would recommend the Careers Fair to other students.
Raj Gill (Senior Careers Officer)