Ormskirk School recently hosted an engaging and impactful careers event designed to introduce students to real-world recruitment processes, apprenticeships, and technical education. The event saw the participation of all Year 9 (240 students) and Year 12 (70 students), who took part in tailored assemblies and interactive assessment centre activities led by industry professionals.
Engaging Assemblies with Industry Experts
Students attended age-appropriate assemblies delivered by Cath Robinson from the Lancashire Forum and Olivia Augustynowicz, Project Manager Degree Apprentice at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) and an ASK Ambassador. Olivia provided invaluable insight into her own apprenticeship journey, detailing the blend of academic study and hands-on industry experience. She also demystified the apprenticeship application process, offering practical advice on researching opportunities, preparing for assessments, and excelling in interviews.
The interactive nature of the assemblies allowed students to actively engage, ask questions, and explore apprenticeship pathways in depth. Several students took the opportunity to speak with the presenters afterwards, seeking further guidance on technical education and career options.
Hands-On Experience with Mock Assessment Centres
Following the assemblies, students participated in three interactive workshops facilitated by representatives from Culina Group and EMR (European Metal Recycling). These mock assessment centres replicated real-world recruitment exercises, allowing students to gain firsthand experience in:
- Logistics Planning – Understanding problem-solving in supply chain management.
- HR & Communication Skills – Learning how to present themselves professionally.
- Group-Based Problem Solving – Working collaboratively to find creative solutions.
The sessions provided students with invaluable employability skills, including teamwork, resilience, time management, and leadership. Employers highlighted how students’ approach to problem-solving, teamwork, and professionalism can make them stand out in a competitive job market.
Tom Russell, Employer Representative at EMR, was particularly impressed, stating:
“The level of engagement from the students was truly impressive. They were more receptive, enthusiastic, and willing to participate than many adults we’ve encountered in professional mock assessment centres. It was great to see them embracing the tasks and applying their skills in real time.”
A Lasting Impact on Careers Education
The event has set the stage for continued collaboration between Ormskirk School, employers, and apprenticeship organisations. Plans are already in place to extend similar opportunities to Year 10 students in the summer term, embedding this initiative into the school’s wider careers education programme.
Helen Brown, Careers Lead at Ormskirk School, emphasised the significance of the event:
“One of the standout successes was the ability to reach and impact two entire year groups in one go. With the support of the hub, we were able to connect students with professionals who could provide meaningful insight into their futures. This experience has undoubtedly strengthened our students’ understanding of apprenticeships and the skills needed for future employment.”
Beyond one-off events, Ormskirk School aims to build long-term relationships with employers like Culina Group, EMR, and apprenticeship networks such as ASK and AAN. By fostering these partnerships, the school is ensuring that students continue to receive valuable exposure to industry professionals, helping them make informed decisions about their future careers.