An impressive array of industries were represented at our Careers Day yesterday. Among the 39 volunteers in attendance, 13 were Sidcotians from various fields including Veterinary Science, Paramedic & NHS Careers, Surveying & Property Management, an Olympian, Optician, Product Designers and Entrepreneurs. 

The Refectory was buzzing with excited chatter and conversations for our ‘Careers Speed-Networking Sessions’ as the Upper Fourth, Lower and Upper Fifth circulated in small groups among all our fantastic volunteers. The students were quizzing them on their career paths and gathering ideas, inspiration and tips for their own next steps. 

The day included some breakout talks for all year groups. As part of this, Sidcotian and Olympian Kate Reed (S: 1999 – 2001) gave a talk to our Upper Fourth and Lower Fifth on ‘Goal Setting,’ giving helpful insights into how this important life skill helped her to achieve her own ambitious sporting aims.

To bring the afternoon to a close, the Sixth Form attended a panel discussion made up of five Sidcotians and two Sidcot Staff members. Many thanks to: Tristram Braine (S:1983 – 1988), Emily Braine (S:1984 – 1988), Will Dalby (S: 2003 – 2007), Dave Hewer (S:2006 – 2009), Alistair Maclaurin (S: 1961 – 1968) and Iain Kilpatrick (S: 2012 – 2023). During the panel discussion our volunteers gave an overview of their own career paths, answered questions on joining the world of work and shared their own experiences of their transition between school and the world of work. This was followed by a coffee and tea networking session with Sixth Form; here students had the opportunity to chat to our all the volunteers who had attended the panel and speed-networking sessions in a more informal setting.        

It was a huge success and we are really grateful to everyone who volunteered and was able to join us on the day. We hope our volunteers enjoyed the day as much as we all did. There has been some great feedback from students and volunteers alike and we are already looking forward to next year’s event. If you would like to participate and volunteer your valued time, please get in touch with Rachele on alumni@sidcot.org.uk. Thank you.