STUDENTS were helped to understand the importance of the link between classroom and career at an event at a Middlesbrough school.
The King's Academy, in Coulby Newham, combined parents' evening with its annual careers fair supported by 39 employers, training organisations, colleges and universities.
After speaking to teachers in the main hall, students from Years 9-13 were able to talk to exhibitors and take away information to help them plan their future after school.
Those already in the academy sixth form were keen to find out about under-graduate courses from advisors from all the region's universities, while others were interested in vocational courses at further education colleges and post-16 training opportunities.
The armed forces and companies offering apprenticeships were also represented.
Jackie Hurst, the academy's head of careers and work experience, said: "We have a very successful sixth form, but unlike many other schools with sixth forms we are pleased to welcome colleges offering post-16 study in order to show our students the range of options in an impartial way.
"While many of our students study A levels and go on to university, it's not for everyone. We have the full range of ability, talents and interests among our students, and we aim to help every one make the right choice for them as an individual."
Every student in Year 11 is offered a one-to-one discussion with the 0-19 careers advisory service, as well as time with staff in the academy.
Penny Laverick, multi professional careers support officer for the NHS in the North East, who was attending for the first time, said: "There are over 350 different careers within the NHS from accountancy to graphic design, plumbing apprenticeships to the more obvious clinical roles, and it's that range that we try to promote.
"The King's students asked very intelligent questions in conjunction with talking to the universities about relevant courses. They're starting to connect the school curriculum with career pathways."
Lisa Smith, of Shape Training, said her organisation helped remove any barriers to learning and managed work placements to help young people get ready for the world of work, while the army discussed the range of opportunities following training at its college in Harrogate.
King's Academy sixth former Sophie O'Rourke, 16, said: "I'm thinking about doing nursing at Northumbria University because it seems to have very good facilities and now I've found about the grades I need to get.
"It's interesting talking to people from the other universities too though to find out more about them."
