Students get a head start on planning for the future

Students got a head start on planning for their futures at our popular Careers Fair. Photographs by MÉABH O'COFAIGH and KARYN FEINGOLD

MORE than 60 exhibitors from the world of work and education have given Ripon Grammar School students a taste of the wide range of opportunities available on leaving school.

Representatives from top universities such as Durham, Newcastle, Nottingham and York were on hand to answer questions and offer advice about the courses they offer while employers from a wide range of sectors including engineering, healthcare, hospitality, biotechnology law, electronics, the forces, dentistry, accountancy and veterinary surgery, showcased the variety of career paths – from apprenticeships to workplace-funded degrees – open to students.

The event attracted around 500 parents and students, who took the chance to get a head start on planning their futures.

The key message from employers was the importance of being able to work as part of a team.

Students were advised to do their research before applying for a role while making sure they can demonstrate the skills and passion that will help them stand out in a crowd.

A representative from Golden Frog Marketing said: “We are looking for potential candidates who demonstrate enthusiasm, a willingness to learn, and who can lend a hand to most things.

“We're a small team without a hierarchy, so anyone who's up for a challenge is perfect."

A spokesman for the environmental research and conservation expedition organisation Operation Wallacea, added: “We’re looking for someone who's taken the time to go out and find other experiences and really immersed themselves in the work we do.”

Parents praised extremely informative event: “"It's amazing how the Grammar School offers this opportunity, I know of nowhere else that does this, and it's remarkable how Mr Bob has brought it together. Thank you," said Gillian, a mother of two RGS students.

Year 11 student, Paul, added: "I'm really interested in engineering and the number of those stalls impressed me.”

RGS Year 11 student Sid summed the event up in three words: "Interesting, insightful and busy."