Plantsbrook Careers Fair 2023: Students at Plantsbrook School had a glimpse of the world of work, after employers signed up for an ambitious careers fair.
More than a dozen universities and colleges also took part in the event, which featured employers ranging from high-tech design firms to the armed forces.
Around 1000 students, from Year 9 to sixth formers, visited the event on Tuesday, March 7 at the Sutton Coldfield school, which is part of the Broadleaf Partnership Trust.
Among the exhibitors, students could talk to former Plantsbrook student Mason Thompson, who joined Birmingham firm Precision Micro as an apprentice last year.
He said: “Doing an apprenticeship has been really good for me, because you get real work experience and you’re learning at college at the same time – and you’re getting paid.
“I always had an interest in engineering and how stuff is made, so I thought this would be a great opportunity.
“I would recommend everyone consider apprenticeships these days.”
Precision Micro are pioneers in chemical etching, using photochemical technology to create components for everything from helicopters to cars.
Plantsbrook Careers Fair 2023 included more on apprenticeships
Plantsbrook’s Careers Advisor, Sarah Dullea, said there was a ‘buzz’ around the school as students waited for their turn to visit the event, which this year included more information about the growing number of apprenticeship options available.
“We wanted to include as many sectors as we could in the fair,” she said.
“The idea of involving students from across the Year Groups ensured that, while the older children could get direct and applicable advice about their immediate futures, the younger pupils could start to think about what they might want to do in a few years’ time.
“It’s also about encouraging the students to go and speak to the exhibitors, to help them develop the skills to hold that kind of conversation.
“We were very pleased with the mix of exhibitors that we attracted – and would like to encourage even more employers to get involved next year.”
Acting headteacher Ian Barton said: “The Careers Fair was a great success and provided lots of opportunities for students to consider the many options available to them. I would like to thank our careers team for organising the event, and our exhibitors for coming along and supporting the fair.”