by Tricia Seaman, Make Happen collaborative outreach officer
Students from eight schools across the Braintree district attended the Braintree Apprenticeships Fair on Thursday 13 February to boost their knowledge, ideas and inspirations and explore future pathways.
The day was supported by Make Happen who part funded the day, and the 1,200 year 10 students, all aged 14 and 15, came from Alec Hunter Acad
emy, Tabor Academy, Notley High School, Ramsey Academy, New Rickstones Academy, Maltings Academy, Honywood School, and Hedingham School and Sixth form.
The day kicked-off with a series of talks about the apprenticeship subjects on offer, including hair and beauty, and engineering. This was followed by break-out sessions where students could talk through their thoughts with the Make Happen team.
Conversations covered favourite school subjects and what career pathways they could lead to, and further details about what higher and degree apprenticeships are, and what they involve. The team also gave students further guidance, such as useful websites to explore further.
Further education institutions and local companies also attended to talk to students about the many different progressive apprenticeships on offer to students after the age of 16. Feedback on the day was very positive, with many students commenting that they had found it both interesting and informative.