Pipers Corner School Careers Newsletter | December 2022

FUTURE FORWARD

THIS IS YOUR FUTURE!

Welcome to the first issue of the new Pipers Careers newsletter! All of you will have different skills, interests and aspirations and so it is important that you are informed and inspired about the world of work and what you might go on to achieve after you leave school. After all, the reason that you study and take exams is to build key knowledge and skills to progress into the workplace in the future. In this newsletter we will explore different jobs, sectors and workplace skills, explore alternative pathways including Higher Education, Apprenticeships, and hear from former students who are now pursuing a range of exciting careers in industry.

OPPORTUNITIES ON OUR DOORSTEP

There are thousands of exciting jobs and careers out there for young people in today's modern world. Here in Buckinghamshire, we have thriving centres of excellence for Creative Industry (there are twice as many creative industry jobs in this county than the national average, particularly in the Film Industry) and in High-Performance Engineering (work on electric cars, 3D printing and sports engineering companies at Silverstone Technology Park, and the UK Space cluster at Westcott near Aylesbury); but there are also huge opportunities across Healthcare, Digital and Professional Services and Retail & Logistics. Read more about opportunities in our area in the Buckinghamshire Skills Hub's latest local skills report

"Do what you have to do until you can do what you want to do"

Oprah Winfrey

INSPIRATION

FOUR JOBS FOR THE FUTURE:

MEET CIARA P, PREFECT FOR CAREERS

What are you studying?

Maths, Art and Psychology at A Level

What do you want to do after you leave school?

I am hoping to go to university to study Architecture and while doing this I will be able to travel all around the UK and hopefully the world. What inspired you to want to become an architect?

Art is my favourite subject at school however I think in a very logical way which is why I love Architecture: there is both an aesthetic and functional side to Architecture, you can be as creative as you want within certain boundaries which is what I am interested to learn about at university.

Why did you become Prefect for Careers?

I think that it is really important for students to understand how many opportunities are ahead of them I find the prospect of the future really exciting and I hope to inspire other students to look forward to their next steps as much as I am

Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?

I see myself coming back from Australia after a year of work in an Architecture practice, having completed my Part 1 qualification I will have just started my Masters in Sustainable Architecture in a new city that I haven’t explored before What will you take away from your time at Pipers?

My time at Pipers has hugely improved my confidence, I moved to this school in Year 9 and Pipers has helped me shape who I want to be Pipers gives you the opportunity to engage in so many different activities which I believe will stand me in good stead in my future

Cryptocurrency analyst

Software Developer Robotics Engineer Hacker

Whilst we’re not yet downloading our memories onto microchips or riding stationary bikes in exchange for currency as predicted in Black Mirror (thank goodness!), society’s increasing reliance on technology and artificial intelligence has had a huge effect on the career landscape Here are some of the roles that are predicted to rise in demand over the next 15 years to get you thinking Got your hover boots on? Let’s go: https://bucksskillshub org/careerseeker/resources/future-jobs

Careers in STEAM evening

Earlier in the term we welcomed a group of alumnae and parents to share their knowledge, experience and advice in a range of STEAM industries including Healthcare, Life Sciences, Conservation and Construction.

As well as listening to our speakers' impressive achievements including working on cancer cures and project managing iconic London luxury high rises, it was also very inspiring to hear the various journeys of our guests, and reassuring to know that when Plan A doesn't work out, a positive outlook can still lead to success Some great advice was shared about taking chances, following your passions and the importance of work experience, and there was a clear message about choosing an industry where you feel you can really make a difference Thank you to our guest speakers for their words of wisdom to inspire our current students about the exciting range of career opportunities in STEAM

We plan to host future, similar events so if you have ideas about what sectors we should explore, please email Mrs Rogers, Head of Careers on nrogers@piperscorner co uk

"choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life"

WORK IT LIKE A

EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS

WHY IT MATTERS:

Work experience is an important way to learn more about professional skills and the world of work, whilst also providing opportunities to gain references and experiences to include on future applications.

EMPLOYERSlovetoseethatstudentshavegivenuptheir time to have a job alongside their studies as it demonstrates enthusiasm, a hard work ethic and a and passion to succeed - but it also indicates that the student will have some understanding of business behaviours and employabilityskills

Meanwhile, work experience gives STUDENTS an opportunity to gain insight into different jobs, industries and ways of working to help inform their own choices going forward; it can be a vital way to sense check an industry you are interested in ANY work experience - even if its not your dream career - will provide valuable learning opportunities about different types of organisations, working environments and the professional skills people use day to day in the workplace

There are a wide range of OPPORTUNITIES you can access, including virtual insight days, placement programmes,paid-forprogrammesandadhocconnections oftenfoundthroughtalkingtolocalorfamilycontacts You canlookonrecognisedplatformsincludingSpringpod and YoungProfessionals,andopportunitiesshowcasedonthe BucksSkillsHubwebsite

PipersalsohasanarrangementwithInvestInwhichallows studentstoapplyforprogrammeswitha10%discount:use thecodePIPERSCORNER10atregistration

For older students, having a part time job, at weekends or during the holidays, is also a great demonstration you are prepared to work hard and take on new experiences, as well developing your transferable skills including communication, teamwork and, reliability

Martha H, in Year 12, works part time in her local pub While she is considering a number of different future careers including Healthcare, Education and Performing Arts, working in hospitality has built up her skills in communication, teamwork, handling money and dealing with (sometimes rather demanding!) customers: all great skills for any future workplace that will stand out on Martha's CVs and applications

ENGINEERING SECTOR INSIGHT

MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD!

Engineering is a diverse, wide-reaching sector with lots of opportunities. Engineering is creative, practical, innovative, and can be found in every aspect of our daily lives - from the devices we use and the buildings we live in to the power we consume and the food we eat. Engineers use their skills to improve the design, performance and efficiency of just about everything we use today, and to develop products and processes of the future. If you can see yourself working with others to tackle some of the world's most pressing challenges - from cyber security to maintaining clean water, or designing innovative products such as driverless cars and surgical robots, engineering could be the career for you!

How to become an engineer:

Engineers are in demand and they earn good money

AREAS OF ENGINEERING:

Aerospace & Aeronautical

Biomedical

Chemical

Civil & Structural

Electrical & Electronic

Energy

Marine Materials

Mechanical

Production & Manufacturing

Good subjects to focus on at school are Science, Maths and Product Design. The traditional route after school is a degree at university and most will require A Levels in Science and Maths. Increasingly, Degree Apprenticeships are being offered which offer the opportunity to earn while you learn (and your employer pays for your degree!)

www.ucas.com/explore/industryguides/engineering

Engineers have skills that make them highly employable in lots of different sectors

Engineers are well respected internationally

Skills valued in Engineering include problem-solving, creativity, communication teamwork, numeracy and digital skills

Software Engineering & Computing

www.tomorrowsengineers.org.uk

www.neonfutures.org.uk

www.engineeringuk.com

www.wes.org.uk

ENGINEERING SECTOR INSIGHT

"Iadoremydegree,thepeopleIgettoworkwithandthecity UoE’sapproachtoengineeringis academicallychallengingandrequiresstrongtimemanagementandself-teachingskills We’re givenafantasticrangeofoptionalmodules,andthestructuretendstobequiteflexible–thisis perfectforexploringnewinterestsandaddingvarietytowhatyoustudy Thebalancebetween practicalandtechnicalworkisconducivetoreallyunderstandingthetrickiercontent,too I certainlywouldn’twanttobedoinganythingelse

"Universitygivesyouroomtospecialise,soyourfirstconsiderationforchoosingALevelsand beyond should be what excites you Degree programs have subject requirements and recommendationsforareason:ifitstipulatesanA-Levelsubjectyou’renotpassionateabout,it isnottherightdegreeprogramforyou

"MyadviceforanyonelookingintostudyingEngineeringatuniversity:

DoMathsALevel!Iknow,I'mbiased,butthisisoneofthemostversatilesubjectsyoucan takeConsideringFurtherMaths?Iwouldonlyrecommendtakingthisifyouwanttostudya technical,physics/maths-baseddegreeIt’salotoffunifyou’redoingitfortherightreasons IfyouareapplyingforacompetitiveSTEMdegree,chooseALevelsthatcomplementeach otherandexploreyourotherintereststhroughclubsandsocieties-thesearesuperbforyour personalstatement

GetsomeworkexperienceduringthesummerThisconveyspassiononyourUCASformand cangiveyouasenseofthekindofworkyoulike Prioritiseyourunderstandingoftechnicalsubjects-specifically,maths,butscience dependingonyourdiscipline(usuallyphysicsorchemistry).It’svitaltoappreciateWHY mechanismsworkthewaytheydo"

LOCAL ENGINEERING INSPIRATION

Whether you agree with it or not, HS2 (the high speed rail line connecting London to the North West) is Europe's biggest infrastructure project and will be offering jobs and opportunities relating to its development for at least a decade to come. The current workforce is just under 30,000, with opportunities to get involved in the creation of tunnels,stations, viaducts, bridges and embankments across 350 sites across the country.

Silverstone Sports Engineering Hub offers a range of Wind Tunnels, test rigs, offices and workshops aimed at the Sports Engineering Industry Bringing together some of the industries leading companies into one community, it offers unique opportunities for collaboration and innovation in state of the art research and development facilities for sports performance, most notably in automotive and mechanical fields

Denham-based Martin-Baker

Engineering has been the world leader in the design and manufacture of ejection and crashworthy seats for over 70 years A family-run business at its core, their work has saved over 7,600 lives in our time and the company has been honoured to receive 11 Queen’s Awards Martin-Baker's latest designs offer unprecedented life-saving capabilities, with over 17,000 seats currently in service.

There are lots of different types of Engineering and a wide range of Engineering degrees on offer, alongside a growing number of Degree Apprenticeships offered in sectors including Construction, Manufacturing, Transport and Technology Former Pipers student KAYLEIGH LAWRENCE is in her second year at University of Edinburgh studying for a Masters in Engineering We got in touch to find out what its like to study this subject at university:

ALUMNAE SPOTLIGHT:

JOANNA HART, PRODUCT DESIGNER

What years were you at Pipers?

I joined In Upper 3 and left after Sixth Form in 2011

What subjects did you study at A Level?

Maths, Physics, Art & Design, Classical Civilisation

What did you do after you left?

Studied a BSc degree in Product Design at University of Lancaster, followed by an MA a couple of years after working in industry as a Product Designer at a consultancy.

What are you doing now?

Currently a 3D Product Designer with Rayware Group, as well as being a freelance designer

What do you enjoy the most about your job?

It’s satisfying to see a rough sketch of an idea transition into something that someone can use and buy in retail stores.

WATYEARSWEREYOUATPIPERS?

Another element I enjoy is the constant trouble-shooting: as there’s no right or wrong answer in Design, and it is often driven by personal preference, coming up with multiple ways to resolve a problem is part of the fun

WHATSUBJECTSDIDYOUSTUDYATALEVEL?

WHATDIDYOUDOAFTERYOULEFT?(IEGAPYEAR?UNIVERSITY,ANDTOSTUDYWHAT?)

Was there any particular inspiration that led you to this career?

WHAT ARE YOU DOING NOW? (JOB/INDUSTRY WITH A BIT OF INFORMATION ABOUT WHAT YOU DOONADAYTODAYBASIS)

To be perfectly honest, I struggled to identify what I wanted to do when selecting universities

WHATDOYOUENJOYMOSTABOUTYOURJOB?

WASTHEREANYPARTICULARINSPIRATIONTHATLEDYOUTOTHISCAREER?

WHATKINDOFSKILLSDOESYOURJOBINVOLVE?

My starting point was to investigate what combined elements of Physics and Art & Design as it was these two subjects that I enjoyed the most. When reading about Product/ Industrial Design, it managed to encapsulate creative and technical components The best way to describe my occupation is the middle-man to an engineer and artist.

What kind of skills does your job involve?

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO ANY CURRENT STUDENTS THINKING ABOUT A CAREER IN THISAREAOFWORK?

Visual communication is key in my line of work so it’s a lot of sketching, conceptualising, storyboarding and realistic rendering. Technical elements of the job are being able to provide information to manufacturers so that concepts can be mass-manufactured We also prototype in-house which means 3D printing ideas to check mechanical and visual characteristics

What advice would you give to any students thinking about a career in this area of work?

Any design related career will involve many rounds of trial and error so be open to criticism and don’t beat yourself up if it isn’t right the first time. Go and visit as many exhibitions and museums as you can for inspiration. Exhibitions such as New Designers is a great resource to see many design disciplines in one place and to talk to design graduates.

Lastly, try and sketch everyday. Not everyone speaks the same language but everyone can understand a drawing!

For more examples of Joanna's freelance work visit the Plan a Product website

SUBJECT SPOTLIGHT: HISTORY

WHY STUDY HISTORY?

While some students might choose this subject because they enjoy learning about the past, it is also a great subject to study for the wide range of transferable skills you will also develop: studying History leads to strong research and analytical skills, dealing with multiple primary and secondary information sources and putting together cogent and persuasive arguments As well as working in Heritage, History students go on to work in Law, Civil Service, Politics, Media and Publishing. Management Consultancy also actively recruits History students for their strong analytical skills and ability to grasp complex and nuanced information.

"History degrees aim to widen the student's experience and develop qualities of perception and judgement, while fostering intellectual independence, sharpness and maturity"

START PLANING YOUR OWN FUTURE

The best way to get ahead is to do your research! There are lots of really useful information sites out there for you to find out more about different jobs and industries and work out what you need to do to get to there.

Try some of these:

BBC Bitesize/Careers

Prospects

Morrisby Creative Careers

Bucks Skills Hub

You can also arrange a one to one advice meeting with the school Careers Advisor, Mrs Rogers by sending an email or ask your form tutor to arrange a meeting.

US President, Joe Biden Documentary filmmaker, Louis Theroux Labour MP, Diane Abbott Author, Salman Rushdie Singer songwriter, Shakira

FAMOUS HISTORY STUDENTS

LONDON SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS (LSE)

"the best way to predict the future is to create it"

Abraham Lincoln