Our range of 1-hour workshops are delivered by an experienced team and are best suited for classes of up to 40 students but can be customised to suit your needs. Some topics can be delivered as a 1-hour assembly to a full year group, upon request.

Here’s an outline of the workshops we offer covering the four main topics of Apprenticeships, Student Finance, University Life and Post-16 Options. Please use the drop down buttons to find out more about each workshop topic on offer.

Contact us on info@makehappen.org to request a workshop or other Make Happen delivery at your school/college event.

Workshops for pre-16 students

Explore the benefits of apprenticeships, and gain and understanding of what an apprenticeship is, the different levels, entry requirements and assessment methods. Through the interactive activities, including a logo game to identify employers, pupils will find out more about the types of apprenticeships available and where to apply.

Dispels the myths around the cost of studying at university and introduces the student loan system. To give students an idea of budgeting and living like a university student, pupils will take part in a higher and lower game and a budget vs brand shopping task. Students will discover the 3 golden rules for repaying their student loans and practice applying them to specific salary examples.

Encourages students to think about their next steps and introduces them to the benefits of university. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the different aspects of student life and explore the differences between a school and university education.

An informative session on the different options after Year 11 including sixth form, college, T-Levels and apprenticeships. Students will explore these options in more depth by taking part in a matching up activity, looking at different sixth forms and colleges in Essex using our interactive map, making a start on their personal statement and looking at next steps for post-18 options.

This one-hour session looks at memory techniques to help students to be more effective with their revision. Attendees will learn the concept of chunking information and practise using mind maps and the memory palace technique for recalling information.

Using our accompanying booklet, this 1-hour session will guide students through what to expect at their upcoming careers fair and the information they need to help to make the most out of the opportunity, including preparing questions in advance and covering post-16 options.

An introduction to preparing for work experience, encouraging students to consider the purpose of their work experience and why it is important. Also giving them an opportunity to reflect on how to make the most out of their work experience, and to reflect on what they would like to achieve by the end of it.

Workshops for post-16 students

Offers a recap on the benefits and different levels of apprenticeships before exploring Higher and Degree levels further. In addition to exploring the differences and similarities between university and apprenticeships, pupils will engage in activities to further their higher education knowledge and discover more about the apprenticeship recruitment process.

Dispels the myths around the cost of studying at university and takes an in-depth look at the student loan system, including how to apply. To give an insight into budgeting as a university student, pupils will take part in a game where they must prioritise their money as they would if they were at university. We’ll discuss other sources of income, including finding scholarships, bursaries, and grants. Students will discover the 3 golden rules for repaying their student loans and practice applying them to specific salary examples.

Recap on the benefits of going to university. This session is designed to support students to develop an understanding of different university choices (courses, campuses, types of degree) and how to research them. Students will learn more about the University application process.

Designed to help prepare students for an upcoming UCAS fair, this session is combined with our ‘Making University Choices’ workshop to get students thinking about making decisions based on what’s important to them and their strategy for getting the most out of the UCAS fair.

Impartial advice on preparing and structuring a personal statement, tips and tricks, common mistakes to avoid, and helpful resources so that students can approach their first drafts with confidence. Using lots of examples to guide them, students will follow the accompanying worksheet to begin drafting their own statements. Where possible, we will relate this to apprenticeship applications to include those not applying for university. We recommend this workshop is delivered in Year 12/Year 1 so that students have time over the summer to continue drafting their statement and boosting their examples.

Split over two 1-hour sessions on separate days. Session one will look at memory techniques to help students to be more effective with their revision. Attendees will learn the concept of chunking information and practise using mind maps and the memory palace technique for recalling information. In session two, students will learn how to use the Cornell method for note taking, how best to organise their revision and general exam advice.

Using our accompanying booklet, this 1-hour session will guide students through what to expect at their upcoming careers fair and the information they need to help to make the most out of the opportunity, including preparing questions in advance and covering post-16 options.

This interactive session is tailored for SEND students and explores what university life is really like, with a focus on expectations, support systems, and student life. It uses dyslexia-friendly fonts and colours to support accessibility and includes a creative task on special interests to help SEND students feel more confident about higher education. 

This session will focus on informing students about how to build their own personal branding through exploring what they stand for as an individual and how to present this in their career. Students will be encouraged to consider their skills, experience and values and how this makes them unique. It will ensure students have the practical steps to start building their own personal brand on LinkedIn.

Parents and Carers

Dispels some of the myths around the cost of studying at university and takes an in-depth look at the student loan system. Parents and carers will be given an insight into what to expect when supporting their children through university, the student loan application process and other sources of income, including grants, scholarships and bursaries.