Atkins Realis who are a world-leading design, engineering, and project management organisation are working in collaboration with HS2 and NCS have recently partnered with us to deliver an all-inclusive Apprenticeship Pilot Scheme with some of our year 12 pupils that are considering a degree apprenticeship. Atkins Realis also incorporate the Skills Builders framework in their sessions to enhance the development and character of young people. The scheme will consist of our pupils being mentored by professionals within the organisation from various departments (infrastructure, engineering, project manager, architect, etc), they will get access to a range of work ready masterclasses, they will receive preparation for their desired degree apprenticeship which will give them the core skills needed to succeed at the interview process, have their application prioritised and fast-tracked because of their participation in the programme, get hands on and insightful work experience in the sector they are considering, which will enable them to make a well rounded informed decision for their next steps.
This photo captures the first introductory session of the pupils being informed about the programme offer. Pupils met some of the professionals that will support them on the scheme. The professionals done a careers speed networking task and spoke to pupils about the trajectory of their own individual career paths. There was two team building exercises, one where pupils had to place themselves in age order but had to do this in silence and the other where they had to work with a professional to construct a model from just six sheets of paper. This exercise was to demonstrate, resilience, leadership, critical thinking, and teamwork skills.
More about Atkins Realis here: https://www.atkinsrealis.com/
More about HS2 here: https://www.hs2.org.uk/
More about NCS here: https://wearencs.com/
More about Skills Builder here: https://www.skillsbuilder.org/
More about degree apprenticeships here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/higher-and-degree-apprenticeships
As part of Character and exploring the big question 'where am I going next?' pupils are given the opportunity to meaningfully engage with employers and apprenticeship providers so they can make well informed decisions about their futures.
For more information and guidance about careers education at Ark St Alban's, you can email careers@arkstalbans.org