Truro School Sixth Form launched their ‘Life After A-levels’ initiative last week. The programme seeks to help students prepare for the next step in their lives, supporting them in carefully hand-picking the right career choice, whilst also improving employability and leadership skills.
Truro School Sixth Form – currently ranked first for A-level results amongst co-ed providers in Cornwall – utilised its extensive former pupil network and the wider community, allowing students to meet professionals in a wide range of sectors and benefit from their first-hand insights.
Kim Conchie, Chairman of the Cornwall Chamber of Commerce, kicked off proceedings by explaining the importance of networking for young people. Mr Conchie also advised students on how to take the plunge and approach businesses for advice and work experience.
Later on, Professor David Hosken, Dean of Strategic Development at the University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus, joined Kim to discuss the huge variety of opportunities within STEM careers and to offer their own view on how to take advantage of opportunities.
Paul Trudgian, Founder of Fish for Thought, ran a session on starting up businesses and shared his varied career with students, culminating in a Q & A about enterprise and entrepreneurship.
Lucy Jupp, Head of Lower Sixth at Truro School Sixth Form, said: “This week’s enrichment programme has allowed our students to focus on life after Truro School and we have been delighted to welcome some excellent speakers and visitors to the school. We have heard from Universities who have helped provide the most up to date picture of the Higher Education landscape, as well as experts in the gap year industry and a variety of apprenticeship programmes.”
Unlocking Potential played a key role in the programme, explaining how they help graduates find jobs in the South West. Tim May and Chris Anderson from Savills enlightened students about the variety of different career paths in surveying and real estate, and former pupil Alex Maidwell-Smith delivered a brilliant session designed to help Cornish students adjust to the very different experience of living and studying in London.
Nancy Kenward, a former Recruitment Consultant and now Head of Careers at Truro School, said: “Between the ages of 16 and 18, young people are faced with a mammoth decision; should they begin applying for university or enter the world of full time work? Apprenticeships and gap years are also popular options. This week’s workshops are all part of our aim to help students make the right choice for them, first time.”
