Careers Update
Careers Update
Happy New Year and welcome to 2025 a busy year ahead for Careers. Key dates for your diaries:
Park House Events
- *NEW Year 11 Mock Interview Day – Wednesday 12th February
- Year 9 Work Shadow Day – Tuesday 18th March 2025
- Year 10 & 12 Work Experience Week – Monday 7th - Friday 11th July 2025
Student Finance 2025
Monday 27th January the whole of Sixth Form attended a Careers session all about Student Finance by Wize-up a financial education partnership with local building societies. They learnt all about different types of money available for students including grants, bursaries and scholarships. Student Loans for tuition and living expenses and the importance of budgeting. For further research please click on https:// wizeupfinancialeducation.co.uk/
For scholarships, please click on https:// www.thescholarshiphub.org.uk/
For grants https:// www.savethestudent.org/student-finance/ student-grants-bursaries- scholarships.html
Applications for Student Finance for Year 13’s opens in March for those looking to go to University in September 2025. https:// studentfinance.campaign.gov.uk/student- timeline/
Bath University Visit
On Thursday 23rd January Bath University came in and presented to our students in Year 9, Year 10, Year 11, and Year 12 all about university life, the subjects on offer at Bath, the grade requirements, the costs for living there. His presentation was well received with many of our Year 12 now considering Bath University as the place to go to.
Apprenticeships 2025
For students considering applying for an apprenticeship this is one of the main websites to use from the Government. There are no set dates with apprenticeships as we come up to National Apprenticeship on 10th February lots more are likely to be released for September 2025 start. When reviewing apprenticeships students should look at the level as it may be different depending on their age and the industry, if they are looking to go into a trade, they may need to start at level 2 as although they will have GCSE’s they will need to learn the skills for that chosen career. Any apprenticeship application students need help with ask them to come see me in the Orangery, I’m there every lunch time.
West Berkshire Training Consortium
Latest Apprenticeships in Newbury Area
Available to individuals 16 and over, these programs range from entry-level to senior positions, offering a blend of real work experience and training. Combining face- to-face and virtual training, alongside workplace learning, apprenticeships cultivate well-rounded employees with practical skills and occupational expertise.
Each apprenticeship is reinforced with online resources and learning in the workplace known as “off-the-job training”.
Gamma is a leading provider of technology solutions specialising in networking and computing, with an office in Newbury. They are passionate about nurturing young talent and providing opportunities for students to explore careers in the tech industry. As part of their commitment to supporting the next generation of tech professionals, they are keen to engage with students who have a strong interest in networking and computing.
Please contact Westley Clark on Westley.Clarke@gamma.co.uk
Amberjack Global Ltd based in Newbury town centre, they are a company that specialises in Early Talent careers (apprenticeships, internships & grads) – We Are Amberjack and are keen to reach out to local schools in the area to potentially offer careers advice, work experience opportunities and other support. They also run an apprenticeship scheme, usually hiring 3-5 apprentices every September. For more information contact Stephanie.Hailey@weareamberjack.com
BCOT - Basingstoke College of Technology are hosting an Apprenticeship Fair on Monday 3rd February, 16:30 – 19:00, at their North Site in the Lower Concourse.
There will be employers such as Grandir, The Army, Thames Water, ASK Technology, Basingstoke and Deane Council, AWE and more.
This event will be useful for Year 11's who are still looking for school leaving opportunities, but also Year 10's who might want to get ahead of the game with companies who will be starting next year's recruitment over the summer. Tickets can be booked here: https:// www.bcot.ac.uk/news-and- events/2025/02/apprenticeship- recruitment-fair-3-february/
Are you considering a career in law?
Osborne Clarke are looking for Solicitor Apprentices to join in Reading in September 2025.
Solicitor Apprenticeships offer the opportunity to study an undergraduate law degree and train as a Solicitor whilst earning a salary, without the cost associated with going to university.
Find out more at our open evening for students and parents/carers:
On – Monday 10th February
From – 5.30pm until 7pm
At – Osborne Clarke, No. 3 Forbury Place, Forbury Road, Reading, RG1 3JH
To secure your place sign up here: https://osborneclarke.app.candidats.io/ event/8b24dc43- cd7a-491a-8f30-4025059aa21f
Additional information can be found online at https://www.osborneclarke.com/ solicitor-apprenticeship/
Careers Appointments
January is off to a great start with Careers Appointment starting straight back in with Nic seeing Year 11’s each week. She is independent so can help guide students and help prepare an action plan. We are identifying those who want initial support and are looking to offer paired and group sessions over the next few months. If you feel your son or daughter is struggling with next steps and needs immediate support, please contact me and we can arrange an appointment. Nic is in school every Thursday. mtebble@parkhouseschool.org.
NEW Year 11 Mock Interview Day
On Wednesday 12th February all of Year 11 will do a Mock Interview with an external guest/business person. In preparation for this they need to prepare a CV which the interviewer can use to understand their ideal job, key strengths and weaknesses, hobbies and interests and any work experience. For qualifications students can use aspirational predictions of their GCSE grades. They will be instructed further in school but your support in preparation for this important day is appreciated.
REMINDER Book up your child’s Year 9 Work Shadow Day
On Tuesday 18th March is Year 9 students Work Shadow Day. We are requesting they experience the world of work by spending a day shadowing a parent or adult guardian at work. We hope you can support us in this valuable opportunity by arranging permission from your employers to allow this to happen.
REMINDER Year 10 & 12 Work Experience Week – 7th – 11th July 2025
Never too early to get a placement booked up ready for the summer, please support your sons and daughters with the best week possible if you have contacts or a business that would be willing to take some of our students please get in touch.
Thank you to all parents who got in touch to help with the Year 11 Mock Interviews. It is very much appreciated. I will be in touch with more details.
Mary Tebble – Associate Assistant Headteacher