Big Career Opportunities
Network Rail, British Army and Stagecoach bring big opportunities to The Holmesdale School
The Holmesdale School, in Snodland and part of Swale Academies Trust, has hosted its large, annual whole-school Careers Fair for 615 Holmesdale pupils and 100 Five Acre wood pupils, welcoming a over 40 providers comprising of local and national organisations to support students of all ages in exploring their future pathways.
The event brought together employers, colleges, universities, charities and training providers to meet with students from Year 7 through to Year 13. The fair forms a key part of the school’s extensive careers programme, providing an opportunity for students to gain first-hand insight into the world of work and further education, and meet with various experts in their fields.
Students were able to speak directly with professionals from a broad range of sectors. Industry and professional services were represented by organisations such as Barclays and Fisher German, while engineering, infrastructure and trade employers included Network Rail, CX Energy and Vital UK, offering insight into technical and vocational routes. Public service organisations such as the British Army and Kent Police were also in attendance, alongside creative and community organisations including Ebbsfleet Football Club, Stagecoach Performing Arts, Pennies Childcare and Trey Noir Tattoos.
Representatives from higher and further education institutions, including Canterbury Christ Church University, the University of Kent, the University of Greenwich, the University of the Creative Arts and the University of Hertfordshire also attended, alongside MidKent College, North Kent and Hadlow College and Medway School of Arts.
Throughout the day, students quizzed the representatives about qualifications, apprenticeships, university courses and employment routes. The event was buzzing with transformative conversations about the skills, attitudes and experiences needed to succeed in a variety of careers, while also helping to challenge stereotypes and broaden aspirations.
The impact of the day was immediately evident, with Stagecoach Performing Arts offering four scholarship placements to students having been impressed by their calibre and enthusiasm. Several organisations also expressed their hope that conversations held on the day would lead to future opportunities, including work experience placements, apprenticeships and careers.
Students reported feeling newly inspired to pursue university, while others were encouraged by the range of apprenticeship and trade routes available, including opportunities to earn while learning.
Chelsea Stradiotto, Careers Advisor at The Holmesdale School, added:
“Our annual Careers Fair is an important part of our commitment to providing real-world careers education. By bringing together such a diverse range of employers, universities and training providers, we are able to give students direct access to information and opportunities that can genuinely shape their next steps. We are grateful to all of the organisations who gave their time to support and inspire our students.”
Glenn Prebble, Headteacher at The Holmesdale School, added:
“We are incredibly proud of the way our students engaged with employers and education providers at this year’s Careers Fair. Events like this are vital in helping young people see the breadth of opportunities available to them and understand the different pathways they can take. It was fantastic to see students speaking so confidently about their ambitions and asking detailed questions about their futures.”