School pupils explore futures at Weymouth and Kingston Maurward Careers College

Weymouth and Kingston Maurward College has welcomed school pupils from across Dorset to both of its campuses in recent weeks, to take part in its annual Careers College event, designed to spark interest in future career pathways.

The event offered Year 9 and 10 students the chance to explore more than 50 different subject areas and industries through practical workshops. From construction, engineering and agriculture, to creative arts, hair and beauty, and animal care, the sessions gave pupils a hands-on taste of college life and the opportunities it can open up.

The aim is to help young people make informed decisions as they begin to think about their post-GCSE options – whether that be A-Levels, professional and technical courses, or Apprenticeships – all of which are offered at Weymouth and Kingston Maurward College.

Peter Vowles, Student Liaison Officer, commented: “Many of our current students first discovered their passion during Careers College. It gives them the confidence to explore new interests and experience what learning in a college environment feels like.”

As part of the event at the Weymouth campus, students took part in a Writing for the Media workshop, reporting on the day’s activities, with some offered the chance to interview Principal and CEO Kate Wills.

Principal and CEO Kate Wills reviewing the students’ interview questions

Keila, 15, and 14-year-old Lacey, both from Dorset Studio School, wrote:

Speaking to Kate, we asked a diverse array of questions, ranging from what made her choose this line of work to what her vision for the College is. Kate told us she had previously trained in London as an A&E nurse. This helped with her teaching because she was able to teach and guide other nursing students while working in a hospital.

Kate commented, ‘I love my job, working with students and people who are willing to learn, while building a positive, safe environment for staff and students.’ Kate also mentioned that her first job working in a college was over 20 years ago, in 2004!

We asked Kate what she wanted to achieve for her students. She replied, ‘I aim to make sure the students that are with us are ready for the world ahead of them and are able to thrive in life, as well as be resilient in their future paths.’ 

Regarding her vision for the college, Kate told us, ‘I want to provide education for everyone, and for students to progress and learn practical life skills within a safe, inclusive and welcoming learning environment.’

Other students interview their peers about the various workshops they were taking part in and their future career aspirations.

Budmouth Academy  students Isabella, Ruby and Isabel, all aged 15, interviewed 14-year-old Nina in the Science workshop, and wrote:

Nina loves Science at school and wants to become an equine vet. She says she’s interested in this area as she “has her own horse and has been interested in horses since she was little”.

When we interviewed her, she was in the middle of recreating her own DNA in the science workshop, which she found fascinating.

She admits that it will be difficult to get into such a competitive industry, however, she has the determination to achieve her dreams by “studying hard to get good exam results”. We wish her good luck and success in the future.

Sophie, aged 13, from Colfox Academy, spoke to 14-year-old fellow Colfox student Maddison, who took part in a workshop hosted by Dorset Police. Sophie wrote:

Maddison wants to make Dorset a free and better place for all who live here. She has learnt about the different roles in the police force and how we can’t operate without them. Slightly off topic, Maddison said if being a police officer doesn’t work out she would become a tattoo artist instead!

Two dedicated police officers, PCSO Gould and PCSO Carvell, gave up their time to teach lots of young people about the importance of keeping our homes safe. They also described the differences between the different ranks in the Dorset Police and explained how their role as PCSOs includes helping young Dorset people understand why we have a police force and what they do to keep us all safe.

Nellie, aged 14, from Thomas Hardye School, interviewed 15-year-old Abbi, from Swanage School, who had chosen to take part in the Motor Vehicle workshop. Nellie wrote:

Abbi told us that the reason for her picking this course is that it is a hobby that she does at home and she has some experience with it. When we asked her if this is something she would like to do as a future career, she said, ‘Definitely!’

Budmouth Academy student Ruby interviewed Nancy, who was taking part in an Emergency Medics/NHS Careers workshop, and wrote:

Nancy said that she wants to become a surgeon and that, ‘This course will give me further knowledge about the industry’. Nancy was inspired to be a surgeon because it ‘runs in the family’ and she wants to ‘help people’ as there is a shortage of orthopaedic surgeons.

Megan, aged 14, from The Purbeck School, wrote:

We spoke to two girls named Alex and Ellie, aged 15, from Wey Valley Academy, to find out what activities they had taken part in today. They said their afternoon activity was Travel & Tourism, which taught them all about different careers in the travel industry. They said they weren’t sure if they would pursue a job in Travel & Tourism, but it was valuable to learn.

This workshop was described in one word by both girls: ‘Fun!’ They also mentioned how much they enjoyed the experience and how helpful it was to them.

We also spoke to Ellie and Alex about their morning session and what they got up to. In the morning, they took part in the Hairdressing & Beauty workshop, which involved them learning new ways to style hair and paint other people’s nails. They also found out how many opportunities Hairdressing and Beauty could give to students if or when they choose a career in it.

Lena, aged 14, from Atlantic Academy Portland, summed up the event, writing:

As Careers College comes to a close, students are bubbling with the excitement of knowing their futures are looking good!

The College provided the students with a wide variety of options – from 3D Character Animation to Police, Brickwork to Computer Music, there was something for everyone each day! Students reported the days as being ‘inspiring’ and made it known that there were many options for them after they finish their secondary education.

Schools from all around the area – Purbeck, Dorchester, Portland and Weymouth-all gathered and had a taste of what college life is like, and what can be learned from it! For most, the experience was rewarding and eye-opening. The activities and lessons were fun, staff were friendly and engaging, and everything ran smoothly throughout the hot July day.