An Arthur Terry School careers event saw more than 200 ambitious sixth form students join Midlands business leaders for an employment enrichment afternoon on 28 March.
The event was organised in conjunction with award-winning entrepreneur, Dan Miller. He is the founder and CEO of Young Professionals UK, which works with schools and colleges nationwide, inspiring students to work with some of the world’s leading brands.
The year 12s had the opportunity to learn more about their future career options. All of them enjoyed a carousel of five employability workshops delivered by: Verity William, Early Careers Manager at Travis Perkins; Hannah Chapman and Ella Cape-Davenhill, Colleague Strategy & Experience Managers with Lloyds Banking Group; Chris Brewerton, Senior Business Development and Relationship Manager at Sutton Coldfield’s Chambers of Commerce; Nigel Waldron, Managing Director of Power Minerals; Dan Miller, CEO of Young Professionals UK.
The expert panel included a familiar face, Arthur Terry alumnus and successful business owner, Nigel Waldron, who described returning to his former school as a “privilege.”
He said: “At a time when school leavers do not have the same options available that I had in 1979 when I left Arthur Terry, I enjoyed discussing what challenges and opportunities face the pupils this summer. I did get some very good feedback and I am sure the school has one or two budding entrepreneurs that we will all hear about in the future!”
Chris Brewerton said: “I was delighted to represent Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce at the recent Arthur Terry pupil engagement and careers day and speak to their year 12 students about what we do in the area to help business grow. Our honorary chairman, Nigel, was a great hit with the students sharing the story of his success.
“At a time when school leavers do not have the same options available that I had in 1979 when I left Arthur Terry, I enjoyed discussing what challenges and opportunities face the pupils this summer. I did get some very good feedback and I am sure the school has one or two budding entrepreneurs that we will all hear about in the future!”
– nigel waldron
“As a Chamber it is important we work with local schools, businesses and young people to encourage entrepreneurship and an interest in their careers and it was an enjoyable afternoon for us and the students.”
The Arthur Terry students are now looking forward to a further careers and employability event on the morning of Thursday 13 June, with confirmed exhibitors including GCHQ, law firm, Eversheds Sutherland, PDMA Consulting Engineers & leading accountancy firms EY and PwC, alongside ten university and further education providers.
The School’s director of enrichment, Alexander Zarifeh, is in charge of the Arthur Terry School careers programme.
He said: “This event was a great success, giving students the opportunity to grow their confidence and skills to progress their careers. All our year 12s demonstrated enthusiasm, enterprise and maturity and gained a real insight into the many opportunities that lie ahead.
“Thanks to our visitors, who recognise the importance of strengthening partnerships between education and business and who gave their time and expertise generously to support the next generation.
“It was a pleasure to welcome Nigel back to school and his success has certainly inspired others. We’re also grateful to Dan from ‘Young Professionals’ – I can’t think of a more fitting name for Arthur Terry’s future business leaders!”