Staff at Ladderbanks Middle School, Bradford have gradually introduced a careers awareness programme into the curriculum. The programme is currently coordinated by Sue Hewitson, and is developed through Personal and Social Education (PSE) studies or within individual subject areas. Close links have been established with local employers: pupils visit work places and employers bring their skills and expertise into the school. The result of this interaction can be seen in the various projects carried out in the school that involve employers, staff and pupils. |
 The Convention
The purpose of the Careers Convention in school was to raise pupils' awareness of the world of work and provide them with information about career pathways. The Convention took place before they made their GCSE subject choices and lasted for a full afternoon. Groups of pupils rotated around the various displays. There were practical demonstrations where pupils could interact with employers and become involved in practical tasks such as brick building and carpentry.
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Features
Other features of the Careers Convention included mock interviews conducted by the personnel department of McDonalds. Pupils prepared themselves beforehand as they would for a 'real' interview.
The afternoon provoked a great deal of interest from both employers and pupils. Follow up work included a visit to a printing firm to meet staff and to experience the printing process first hand.
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| Participating Employers |
| Local | National | Service |
Bradford ITEC
Neighbourhood Engineers
WE Berry, printers
Stage One |
Bradford & Bingley
Midlands Bank
Morrisons Supermarket
MacDonalds |
Fire Service
Police
Shipley College
Bradford TEC
Bradford and Ilkley College |
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 Pupils' reactions to the day
The big tip I got from the day was that a job doesn't mean you have to do the same thing every day.
The careers convention has certainly helped me to narrow down my options.
I did learn that college is different to how I expected it to be and I am rethinking if I should go now as it sounds good.
I didn't decide what sort of job I would like but I narrowed it down a bit.
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