We are always on the lookout for professionals from a range of careers to help us with the delivery of various aspects of our careers programme. So, thank you in advance for the support that you may be able to provide us, and the difference you may make to a young person's life!
We have a range of opportunities, detailed below. Please email our Careers Lead, Ms Donna Boam, for further information. Email: d.boam@arkelvinacademy.org
Theme Weeks
Each year we run theme weeks, focussing on specific aspects of careers and destinations:
Universities Week (December): We are especially interested in hearing from anyone who works in the Higher Education sector and would be happy to speak to a group of students about the realities of university life. We are also very interested in hearing from anyone from a minority background who has their personal story to tell about going to university.
Apprenticehip Week (February): We are especially interested in hearing from any employers who offer quality apprenticeships, who would be happy to speak about the benefits of apprenticeships to a group of students. We are also very interested in our students hearing from anyone with real life experience of having chosen an apprenticeship, and what this involves.
STEM Week (March): In the past we have ran workshops and events with employers to promote the value of STEM, as well as arranging trips to employers with links to STEM careers. We are interested in hearing from any employers who might be able to offer such opportunities, or from anyone from a minority background who has a successful career in STEM and would be happy to speak to a group of students about their experience in this sector.
Events
Each year we run some special events, and are always on the lookout for more people to join in!
Black History Month (October): Black History Month is a special month for our school community and we are on the lookout for speakers from a minority background who may be able to speak to a group of students about their experiences in the world of work, any barriers they had to overcome, and any top tips and advice.
KS5 Networking Evening (November): Join us for an evening of networking with our Year 12 students. For this event, our students will practice the skill of networking for the first time, following the 'speed dating' format as they work their way around the room to talk to you about your career and your line of work. This is always a rewarding evening with a range of special guests from a range of sectors such as medicine, construction, public policy, hospitality and finance. In 2023, 45 guests joined us for a memorable evening; help us make this event in 2024 even bigger and better!
International Women's Day Networking Evening (March): We recognise that even in the 21st century, the path to success can still be challenging for many women, and the glass ceiling has not been truly shattered just yet. With this in mind, each year we commemorate International Women's Day by inviting in a number of successful women in a range of careers to discuss their work with a select group of our female students. In the past, we have had female representatives from the Met Police, Michael Kors and HM Treasury, amongst others, and would love to hear from you if you would like to be involved in our next event.
Futures Week (July): Each year our Year 10 students participate in a whole week of activities where they get to consider their beautiful futures in more detail. If you would be able to offer a workshop, or host a workplace visit for this, get in touch!
Work Experience
All of our Year 12 students are expected to complete at least 5 days work experience before the end of the academic year, and in the past they have had some wonderful work experience placements with employers such as the NHS, Willmott Dixon, Wates and Quintain Construction. We can be very flexible in terms of dates and our students always get a great deal out of these experiences, so if you think you would be able to support us in offering some placements this year, please get in touch!
Employer Engagement
We are always interested in working with a range of employers to give our students the best possible experiences. Examples of work we have done this past year with employers include:
Year 8 and Year 9 visits to EY Head Offices
Year 12 visit to LinkedIn Head Office
Year 9 virtual talk with Sky Studios
Year 12 talk with Amazon, regarding their apprenticeship scheme
Year 8 and Year 9 visits to HSBC
We are always open to working with new employers to develop new opportunities for our students.