Careers guidance begins in Third Form and forms part of the assembly and tutorial programme until Upper Sixth. We urge students to steer clear of narrow thinking and to remain open to the multitude of possibilities available to them, understanding that they do not need to follow a linear path. In tutorials, students explore a variety of topics. In the lower years, they reflect on their aspirations, explore career paths and challenge workplace stereotypes. As they progress, they engage with labour market information and develop awareness of key employability skills and CV writing. By Sixth Form, they focus on areas such as the power of networking, career resilience and interview skills.
Throughout the year, various events unfold, including our ‘Life Beyond Wellington Week’, featuring inspiring guest speakers from diverse industries to inspire and enrich students’ perspectives. Our popular ‘Careers Speed Networking’ each term provides students with the chance to engage in valuable conversations with an array of parents and OWs. Challenges are then available, such as mock law trials and entrepreneurship competitions. The HE and Careers teams collaborate closely to align guidance for Fifth Form and Upper School pupils, ensuring that decisions regarding the next stage of study are customised to students’ ambitions.
The Careers and Wellington Community team host regular Networking events in London. These are aimed at Sixth Form pupils and cover a range of industries popular with OWs. The fast-growing platform ‘Welly Connect’, gives exposure to a community of OWs who are keen to support and collaborate. This is one tool that students are encouraged to utilise to obtain work experience during the summer, whether through shadowing or engaging in more project-based opportunities.
Our priority is to ensure that each student develops the skills—both in and out of the classroom—that empower them to succeed, while also providing the insight needed to thrive in the world of work. We aim to ignite their ambition and inspire purposeful steps toward achieving their career goals.
All the above is supported by the Higher Education & Careers Department staff, tutors, HMs and a fully stocked reference library in the HE & Careers Department, which is regularly used by many Wellingtonians.
