STUDENTS have been urged to aim higher at an event to broaden their thinking about future careers and courses of study.
University representatives, local employers, Army, Navy and RAF recruitment officers, County Hall administrators, council officials and further education colleges, were all invited to attend the annual Aim Higher careers evening hosted by Northallerton School and Sixth Form College.
The event, aimed at helping students in Years 10 and 12 make more informed decisions about their future, saw over 350 students, parents and carers seek advice from education specialists and professionals in a wide range of careers.
Head of Sixth Form Bronia Harris said: “Our Aim Higher event is an ideal opportunity for students and their families to get information they need to explore different career choices and further education options all under the one roof.
“Previously the Aim Higher evening was just for Year 12s but after hosting a local business networking event in the school earlier this year we decided to engage more closely with the local community and also help our Year 10s to think ahead.
“Our students benefit enormously from the huge amount of knowledge and experience that is available to them and they will have taken away a lot of useful information which will enable them to make informed decisions about their future careers.”
Pupils from Bedale High School and St Francis Xavier School, Richmond, also attended the event, which attracted local businesses Walter Thompson Construction and Saks Hair and Beauty as well as Askham Bryan Agricultural College, Hambleton District Council, and nine universities.
The evening provided the opportunity for talks on choosing a university, making an application, higher education student finance, local employer opportunities, what employers are looking for and applications to Oxbridge.
Student Victoria Weighell, 15, of Northallerton, said: “I’m hoping to pursue a career in fashion enterprise and marketing so I’ve come to see what degree courses are on offer and to find out the qualifications I will need. It’s a great idea to have everything under one roof.”
Manager of Saks Hairdressing and Beauty, Northallerton, Katy Adamson added: “It’s a fabulous idea for the school to invite local employers to an event like this.
“We are actually looking for an apprentice at the moment and can offer a fantastic programme to people who want to join our team.
“This is a great opportunity for students to find out what is available to them and actually speak to local employers and university representatives about making decision about their future.”