Year 10 students taking part in the Jon Egging Trust’s (JET) Blue Skies programme in the Midlands had the opportunity to explore a wide range of career pathways at a Careers Fair- Style session organised by RAF Cosford this month.
The event formed part of the Blue Skies 3 Employability programme, helping students develop their understanding of the world of work, discover new opportunities and build the skills they need to take their next steps towards the future.
Students from Hadley Learning Community, Charlton and Morton School took part in the event, meeting professionals from eight different organisations and career areas including the Army, Hitachi, Safran, University of Birmingham Air Squadron, and members of the Royal Air Force from various branches; Personal Trainers, Engineering, and Cyberspace.
Divided into eight groups, students rotated around the eight stations, hearing directly from professionals about their roles, career journeys and day-to-day responsibilities, while having the chance to ask questions about the qualifications and skills needed to enter different professions.
The sessions gave students valuable insight into careers they may not previously have considered, while encouraging them to think about how their own interests and strengths could shape their future.
Inspiring Students To Find Their Own Path
As well as sharing information about their specific roles, the professionals encouraged students to think about finding a career they would genuinely enjoy.
Lee Betts, Hitachi Rail, shared that choosing a career can feel daunting in Year 10. He reassured students that, while it can be difficult to know what they want to do at this stage, finding something that interests them and pursuing a job that fits around that passion can help them enjoy their working lives.
Jim, representing the Army, also opened students’ eyes to the breadth of opportunities available, explaining that careers can range from veterinary and policing roles to medical professions, with entry routes requiring different levels of qualifications, from none to a degree.
By hearing from people working across such a diverse range of sectors, students were able to see that there is no single route into employment and that a variety of pathways can lead to rewarding careers.
Making a Lasting Impression
The impact of the day was clear from the feedback shared by one student’s parent, who explained how enthusiastically their son, spoke about the experience after returning home. They said: “He really enjoyed talking to people and finding out about the different jobs and roles in the military and the couple of civilian jobs.”
His enthusiasm continued at home, where he recalled the details of the conversations, asked his family questions about their own careers and even began considering a potential future in cyberspace. His parent added that the experience had prompted him to think about joining the cyberspace field to gain qualifications while earning as he learns.
The Difference Blue Skies Makes
Natalie Stewart, STEM Co-ordinator at Hadley Learning Community, praised the difference Blue Skies has made to her students, saying: “I am blown away at the difference from the students before they began Blue Skies to now.” She also highlighted how the programme brings young people together and helps them become “well-rounded and productive people for society.”
A huge thank you to Flight Sergeant Leon Towns, JET’s lead at RAF Cosford, and Sergeant Steve Ward, who co-ordinated the organisation of the day. We are also very grateful to all the organisations involved who gave their time to share their experiences and inspire our Blue Skies students.
By connecting young people with inspiring role models and helping them develop essential employability skills, opportunities like this enable Blue Skies students to broaden their horizons, recognise their potential and take positive steps towards their futures.
