Park High School Annual Careers Fair
On Tuesday, 22nd October 2024, we held our annual Careers Fair in the Sports Hall, running from 9:50 am to 4:00 pm. The event provided a valuable opportunity for students from Years 8 to 13 to explore diverse career options, interact with professionals, and gain insight into various industries and educational pathways.
The Careers Fair was structured to cater to different age groups effectively. For students in Years 8 and 9, the event was organised as a speed networking session, where they moved in groups, spending 10 minutes at each table speaking with professionals before rotating to the next. This format encouraged active engagement and helped students broaden their knowledge and curiosity about the world of work. To support their participation, students were given Careers Fair cards to jot down notes and prepare questions in advance, ensuring they made the most of their time with each attendee.
Careers fairs are invaluable for students as they provide exposure to a broad spectrum of employers and career paths that they might not otherwise have considered. These events help students learn about industry trends, pathways, and the skills currently in demand, while raising awareness of any potential skill gaps they may need to address.
This year’s Careers Fair was attended by a host of notable organisations and representatives. Amongst the confirmed attendees were major names and institutions, including the NHS, Atkins Realis, the Royal Navy, British Army, RAF, Metropolitan Police, and financial giants such as NatWest and Barclays Bank. Local and national engineering and coaching firms like Gr8ness Coaching and Helix Ltd also participated, alongside apprenticeship providers such as First Rung. Higher education institutions were well-represented, with Brunel University, City, University of London, University of Hertfordshire, and many others engaging with students to discuss courses, opportunities, and career outcomes.
A special mention goes to individual experts such as Charles Horsey, an engineer, Karyn Sansom, a STEM engineer, and Louis Lanza-Parsons, a midwife, who provided students with insight into their professions. Our Careers advisers, Olivia Fiszzon, and further education representatives from Harrow College, Stanmore College, West Herts College, and Access Creative College added depth to the students’ exploration of future academic and professional options.
The event was a resounding success, with students participating eagerly and leaving with new ideas, and a clearer understanding of what their future careers could look like. The atmosphere was vibrant and stimulating, reflecting the commitment of both students and staff to making the most of this opportunity.
Special thanks to Mrs. Foster our school Careers & Employability Co-ordinator for her exceptional work in organising the event and ensuring it ran smoothly. The participation of Park High’s own Sixth Form students added a unique, homegrown element to the event, showcasing the school’s dedication to nurturing talent from within. And finally, a big thank you to all the attendees who took time to share their experiences and knowledge, creating an informative and inspiring day for Park High students. We hope this year’s Careers Fair has ignited our students' ambition and curiosity, encouraging them to think more broadly as they navigate their academic and career journeys.
If you are a student here at Park High and would like some careers advice, please speak to Mrs Foster in the Park Block. There is also lots of information available on the school website and SharePoint: