Wigan & Leigh College celebrated National Careers Week by hosting an array of employer talks and workshops.

The week-long event attracted top employers including Wrightington, Wigan & Leigh NHS Foundation Trust (WWL) and the Environment Agency.

Students received careers advice, progression opportunities and information from a range of speakers across many industry sectors at the Parsons Walk Centre, Pagefield Centre and Leigh College.

The week proved very successful and even resulted in one student being hired as an apprentice with Keepmoat Homes once they have completed their studies.

They also had plans to return

to the College with a view to hire another apprentice after taking a look at

their work at the Centre of Excellence in Engineering at the Pagefield Centre.Keepmoat Homes’ Social &

Economic Impact Manager, Julie Baker confirmed that one of their bricklaying

subcontractors offered one student an apprenticeship as a result of the engagement

of the students during the workshop.

WWL NHS Foundation Trust delivered talks to Health & Social Care and Childcare students about the opportunities available after they leave college. The NHS offers an apprenticeship scheme in a range of areas including accounting and pharmacy assistant.

Julie Wilson, Vocational Learning Facilitator at NHS WWL said: “We look for local talent to grow our own staff in order to develop and retain and we are also offering a pre-apprenticeship programme with the College to help people become employable within the NHS.”

The Environment Agency also visited civil engineering students at the College’s Pagefield centre, informing them of the small and large scale projects they undertake.

Graduate Civil Engineer, Adam Chapman said: “We came into the College to raise the profile of civil engineering at the Environment Agency, the Institute of Civil Engineers and different career paths available for young adults.

“I hope the students found the session helpful and developed their knowledge of careers within the sector and organisation.”

AXA Insurance, HSBC, Jones Bros Civil Engineering Uk, the Army and local accountancy firm, HullJady also dropped in during the week to inform learners about the different career opportunities available as well as provide tips and advice on applying for jobs including CV preparation and the benefits of being well prepared for your interview.

Leigh’s Spinning Gate Management Team also offered mock interviews at Leigh College for A Level Professional Honours Programme and Hair & Beauty students, helping them with their preparations for future job applications.

Anna Dawe, Principal of Wigan & Leigh College said: “Employer interactions are a fundamental aspect of our careers and employability programme and we believe it is important that our students have access to a wealth of careers information, are inspired to aim higher and widen their aspirations.

“Wigan & Leigh College engages with a large number of employers to help shape the future workforce and ensure our students are leaving education ready for the workplace.”