Xaverian College’s Pathways Day has again been a great success and in attracting local employers, universities and training providers to help Year 12 students decide on their important next steps following sixth form.
The annual event allows all Year 12 students the opportunity to think about their future direction and consider all the options available to them. The day began with a packed schedule of over 40 workshops led by representatives from local organisations who shared their knowledge and expertise in their respective specialisms with Xaverian students.
“The Xaverian annual Pathways’ Day is a cornerstone of our commitment to providing students with the resources and support they need to succeed in their future endeavours. This year, the event is bigger than ever with over 60 universities and employers exhibiting at the Pathways Fair from sectors including health, finance, law, engineering, publishing and science.”, said Joanne Leach, Careers Leader at Xaverian College.
Natalie Johnston and Louise Wylie, Student Recruitment Officers representing the University of Salford at the event, commented: “We are here again today to meet students from Xaverian College to talk about their options in Year 12 and beyond, whether they want to take a gap year, go directly to university, or discover the career pathways available to them, and learn more about associated Degrees that Salford offer. Some students have been asking questions around what careers the courses we offer lead to, the realities of working in these careers, how competitive the courses are and how they can link their experiences so far when applying for courses. It’s been nice to give them some genuine advice and guidance today and it’s clear that the students we have spoken to have really researched our university and what we offer, which makes a massive difference when we attend events like this. The students have all been really enthusiastic, and we’ve even had some students tell us they have booked onto our Open Day in June!”
Yipiyap was one of the exhibitors at the event and they offer students the opportunity to use their gap year to work as in-school tutors in the local area. The students are paid a salary, and it is an opportunity for them to build up relevant skills and experience before heading off to university or starting their careers. Yipiyap Area Director, Meg Parry, spoke to students about the opportunities available to them, and commented: “It’s always great to come to the careers event at the College and meet with and talk to students in-person to hear about their next steps. For Year 12s in particular, they are now heading into Year 13 and thinking about what those next steps might be and the options open to them. Universities and Apprenticeships aren’t for everyone, and it’s nice to be able to make them aware that there are alternative opportunities out there, like Yipiyap, and we appreciate the opportunity to be here at Xaverian College.”
Xaverian College students typically progress to degree courses at university, however in recent years, many students are pursuing sought-after higher and degree-level apprenticeships with high-profile businesses, such as Amazon and PwC UK.
Xaverian students Shayaan Malik, formerly a pupil at Manchester Enterprise Academy Central (Fallowfield), studying an A Level in Law, Diploma in Criminology and Cambridge Technical in Health and Social Care, and Emily Dalton, from St Monica’s RC High School, studying Biology, Chemistry and Fine Art, both attended the Pathways Day and gained valuable advice to be able to better plan their next steps.
Shayaan commented: “I found that the pathways fair was useful as the Uni of Law talk helped me figure out what I needed to do and how long it would take for me to get the qualifications to become a solicitor. I also found the universities being there useful as it meant that I was able to talk to people who could support me in understanding what undergraduate and postgraduate courses I would need to take for my career path.”
Emily is planning a career in Medicine and found the allied healthcare careers talk provided some alternative careers she could consider following university, and said: “I found it really helpful to pick up information from universities and to be able to speak to staff and students about what makes their universities unique. I also found that there was a wide variety of talks on offer, which was great because it meant I could explore options that I might not have known about otherwise. I also went to the Russell Group talk which had some really great information regarding studying medicine or dentistry at these universities.”
Joanne continued: “At Xaverian we ensure all our students are provided with the information they need to make informed decisions about the progression routes available to them. It was incredibly encouraging to see organisations working closely with us to help inspire the next generation.”
As one of the largest providers of post-16 education in the region, Xaverian College offers an extensive range of A Levels, and several BTEC courses that can be studied as standalone subjects or combined with A Levels. Visit xaverian.ac.uk to find out more.