Despite falling after the exuberance of the Glastonbury weekend, our Year 12s fully embraced the challenges presented by this year’s Careers Week (1-5 July).

Students heard from business leaders in a range of fields, from engineering and marketing, to business, design, and military services. Visitors from the Citizens’ Advice Bureau and Abersystwyth University gave helpful advice on managing student finance. Expert guidance was also provided on UCAS, EPQ, Gap years, working abroad and writing personal statements.

Keynote from Old Sexeian Rob Giles, Toyota GB

We welcomed Rob Giles, Old Sexeian (1980 – 86) and Director for Toyota (GB) back in to school for a keynote speech about the misconceptions of working in the automotive industry, and the range of jobs available (to men and women), not to mention the varied skills required. “Most of all, we need young people with ambition, creativity and enthusiasm,” he said.

“Where I am today, I believe is a result of the great education I had as a boarder at Sexey’s” he continued. “It taught me to have imagination and motivation – key things that have helped me in my career.”

Mock interviews

Our Y12s also conducted a series of mock interviews with potential employers ranging from Leonardo Helicopters and architects, to HR professionals. Commenting, Freya Applegate said, “It was especially helpful to get constructive feedback on my presentation in interviews. Thanks for organising!”

Our Y12s also took part in an Apprentice-style panel, judged on their original business idea, presentation and marketing nous. On the final day, the whole year group went on a visit to Exeter University.

Thank you to all our presenters

We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone involved in the planning and execution of what turned out to be a wonderful, fun and productive week! Thank you in particular to our visiting guests and presenters:

• Tom Ware – Director in Production and Performance : University of South Wales (who presented on Careers and Higher Education in the Creative Industries)
• Laura Miller and Simon Smith, Citizens Advice Bureau (who presented on Personal Finance and Budgeting)
• Dave Boyer, Biologist & Environmentalist (who presented on Working Abroad)
• Ian Birbeck, Projects Abroad (who also presented on Working Abroad)
• Harriet Greatrex, Aberystwyth University (who presented on Student Finance and Budgeting, as well as Writing Personal Statements)
• Hugh Graham, The Bid Coach Ltd (who ran a session on interview skills and techniques)
• Our mock interviewers:

o Hugh Graham, The Bid Coach Ltd
o Adela Crichton, Sexey’s School and HR professional
o WO1 Dave Irons, Royal Navy
o Rob Travis, Global & Commercial Marketing Manager, Videojet Technologies Ltd
o Emily Steel, HR & Organisation, Leonardo MW Ltd
o Sarah Stainforth, Practice Manager, Delaware Vets
o Austin Fews, NVB Architects
o Dave Boyer, Biologist & Environmentalist

• Adrian Ash, HE & International Manager, Strode College (who presented on Higher Education, the local offer)
• Jim Johnson, Photosbyjim (who presented on working in the Creative sector)
• Cpl Callum Hales, RAF
• Rose Worthy, Army
• Rob Travis, Videojet (who presented on Managing your Career Path and developing your Soft Skills)

You can learn more about careers at Sexey’s, as well as opportunities currently available for Sixth Formers, on the school site: https://www.sexeys.somerset.sch.uk/learning/careers/.

You can also read more on Guidance and Support at Sexey’s Sixth Form here.

Mrs Elliott and Mrs Watson, External Careers Consultant