OC CAREERS SUPPORT

Helping Chigwellians find their way

Careers Education at Chigwell

Chigwell offers varied careers programme sessions during lessons, PHSE sessions, lunchtimes, and after school. Events include talks, presentations, workshops, curriculum activities and assemblies. New volunteers are welcome to share their expertise.

Careers week and the Careers Convention return March 2023 as a highlight of our careers calendar. If you wish to represent your profession, contact Roxanne Darkin, Head of Careers: rdarkin@chigwell-school.org. The convention helps pupils make informed choices when choosing GCSE and A Level subjects and planning for university and future careers.

Our Careers Convention remains successful as a great opportunity for you to share your work expertise with curious and motivated Chigwell students. Pupils can learn much from you as you share about your own career path enabling them to pursue their ambitions from a young age. The event also permits you to showcase your company or organisation whilst networking with likeminded professionals.

For information on careers or apprenticeships, or if you know of any companies or people who offer apprenticeships, please do get in touch with Roxanne Darkin, Head of Careers: rdarkin@chigwell-school.org

Degree Apprenticeship Application Support Programme (DAAS)

MVI students interested in applying for Degree Apprenticeships may do so through DAAS. Apprenticeships are growing in popularity and allow students to gain a university degree whilst earning a living and gaining valuable professional work experience without the student debt. Competition for apprenticeship places is high, and we want to give Chigwell students the best start possible.

Some sessions are run by The AIM Group who receive government funds to support schools and students interested in post-16 and 18 apprenticeships. Sessions include CV, cover letter and application support, assessment centre preparation, and interview techniques.

National Apprenticeship Week 6th - 12th February 2023

The annual week-long celebration of apprenticeships, taking place across England, will shine a light on amazing work being done by employers and apprentices across the country.

During the event, students explore apprenticeships, at all levels, and learn what is available through talks, workshops and Q&A sessions.

If you would like to be involved, please contact Roxanne Darkin, Head of Careers: rdarkin@chigwell-school.org

Would you like to offer real-world experiences, knowledge, and expertise to current pupils and other OCs?

OCs follow diverse pathways after leaving School and gain a wealth of experience current pupils wish to learn. Ways you might help:

• Offer careers advice • Provide CV critique • Interview practice • Provision work shadowing/work placements

Ways to get involved

LINKEDIN

The Old Chigwellians’ Association professional networking group on LinkedIn continues to grow as an important resource for alumni to communicate with each other as professionals. You may find a valuable OC contact in your chosen sector amongst our LinkedIn membership.

Scan the QR code to visit the LinkedIn page

MEET THE FUTURE

This series of informal talks between OCs and current students focus on issues such as university, first jobs, changes of plan; in short, advice to their younger selves. Such advice is invaluable to pupils deciding upon their future. Would you like to share your experiences in a ‘Meet the Future’ programme? Please contact Roxanne Darkin, Head of Careers: rdarkin@chigwell-school.org

THE WILLIAMS PROJECT

Named after OC Sir Bernard Williams, a late 20th century British philosopher, The Williams Project speaker society covers topics for all pupils aged 11-18 and staff. This venture provides opportunities for all at Chigwell to broaden and deepen their intellectual life outside the classroom in an informal environment.

Are you interested in being a speaker for The Williams Project? Please contact Scott Franssen, Director of Philanthropy: sfranssen@chigwell-school.org

YOUNG AMBASSADORS

This initiative links Chigwell pupils and Higher Education by connecting current pupils with an OC at their chosen institution. OCs at Higher Education institutions offer personalised advice and insights that are invaluable to future leavers.

We would like to broaden the range of institutions represented so if your institution is not listed www.chigwell-school.org/young-ambassadors, please get in touch.

For further details on any of the above please see www.chigwell-school.org/get-involved or contact philanthropy@chigwell-school.org