Speed-dating with a difference! Matching boys with possible careers

Speed-dating with a difference! Matching boys with possible careers

Professionals from fields as diverse as advertising, finance and law provided Year 9 boys with a snapshot of their own chosen employment during a speed careers event at the School.

Careers 4U was organised in conjunction with Barnet Education Business Partnership. During the day, the boys, in groups of five, met 25 volunteers working in areas that also included web design, construction and the police service. They received a brief overview of possible career paths and were challenged to solve a typical problem that a professional might face in his or her daily work.

Sarah Westcott, Head of Pupil Development and Lower School Science, said: “The aim of the event was to broaden the boys’ awareness of different routes into a variety of possible careers. They clearly found the day both useful and stimulating as it provided them with an insight into the requisite personal characteristics as well as the required entry academic achievements.”

Barnet EBP is a charitable trust whose remit is to support work-related learning and enterprise education. Manager Ken Williams said: “Our volunteers really enjoyed it; so much so that some have already signed up for next year! They had nothing but praise for QE staff and boys.”