At Holderness Academy, we were proud to mark National Apprenticeship Week with an engaging and insightful programme of events designed to support our learners in exploring their future career pathways. Working alongside a wide range of organisations, we ensured that our learners had access to valuable opportunities that highlighted the importance and benefits of apprenticeships.

We were particularly thrilled to have been recognised as one of just nine flagship schools across the UK for our outstanding commitment to promoting and educating learners about local apprenticeship opportunities. This prestigious recognition underscored our dedication to preparing learners for the world of work and ensuring they were well-informed about all available routes to success.

A major highlight of the week was the official opening of our brand-new Careers Hub. Located at the heart of our academy, this inspiring facility became the base for Mr. Derbyshire, our dedicated Careers Lead. The Careers Hub became the focal point for all careers meetings and provided a welcoming space where learners could explore future pathways, research opportunities, and receive expert guidance. This investment was a testament to our ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality careers education and support throughout each learner’s journey at Holderness Academy.

Adding to the excitement, we were delighted to welcome Kofi Smiles from Humberside BBC Radio, who visited the academy to interview learners who participated in the Apprenticeship for All initiative at the end of the previous term. This was a fantastic opportunity for our learners to share their experiences and reflect on the valuable skills they developed. We were incredibly proud of the way they represented themselves and the academy during the interview, showcasing their confidence and ambition.

Our Year 9 Options Evening was another resounding success. Parents and learners attended to explore the diverse and exciting curriculum options available at Holderness Academy. This event provided an excellent opportunity for learners to consider their interests and make informed decisions about their educational journeys.

Further supporting our Year 9 learners, we hosted a Careers Fair featuring over 15 different providers, giving our learners direct access to employers, colleges, and training organisations. This event was instrumental in broadening their understanding of various career paths and inspiring them to think about their futures with enthusiasm.

Meanwhile, our Year 10 learners eagerly began planning their work experience placements. It was inspiring to see their dedication and excitement as they prepared to apply their skills in real-world settings. Work experience was a crucial step in their development, offering them valuable insights into their chosen career paths and helping them build essential workplace skills.

At Holderness Academy, we remained committed to providing high-quality careers education and fostering ambition, aspiration, and opportunity for all our learners. National Apprenticeship Week was a truly inspiring celebration, reinforcing the importance of real-world experiences, employer engagement, and informed decision-making in shaping successful futures.

To continue to provided the best quality careers education we can to all year groups, through the curriculum and beyond, we are delighted to have been invited to pilot the Careers Impact System; a process designed to drive continuous improvement in the quality of careers education in schools and colleges.