Barnsley Sixth Formers focus on the future

Barnsley Sixth Form College (@BarnsleyCollege) students have been setting their sights on the career options open to them in the future.

A dedicated Industry Week enabled students to engage with established professionals from various sectors in interactive online sessions.

Kate Dean, Director of Enable Disability and Inclusion Consultants, gave an in-depth picture of the roles available in Equality and Diversity and the changing nature of working in this area.

Next up was a session on business from Raychel McGuin, owner and founder of Art by Raychel which produces recycled fashion dolls, art and illustration; events, marketing, creative and communications company E=MC²; and personal and business wellbeing initiative Being in Full Colour.

David Finnie spoke to students from Sydney, Australia, about his journey from studying Sport and Exercise Science to becoming a personal trainer on the other side of the globe, including how sport students can get the most from university, extra-curricular activities and travelling.

There was an opportunity to learn about ethical marketing and branding from Johnny Pawlik, owner of Mantra Media, while Claire Cahill, owner of Accendo Coaching, led students through a SWOT analysis exercise to determine strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats related to their aims for the future.

The week was rounded off by Matt Hutton of architecture company Bond Bryan, who explained routes into working in the architecture side of construction including his own journey. 

The sessions started with the experts explaining their career journey and concluded with a question and answer slot which allowed the students to quiz them.

Jess Widdowson, Enterprise Team Leader at Barnsley College, said:

“Our Sixth Form students received a valuable insight from professionals in a variety of sectors over the week. I wish to say thank you to all our guests for their outstanding input, which gave the students useful information about their future study options and the career paths open to them.

“The week’s activities were an example of Barnsley Sixth Form College working with businesses to lead the economic recovery and meet employers’ needs, both now and for future roles, by providing students and adults with the skills to succeed.”