Staff and students from Suffolk New College got to see the Premier League and Women’s Super League trophies during an event based around careers.
Thanks to a link up with Barclays, these two iconic pieces of football history were on display in the atrium of the college based on Rope Walk in Ipswich.
In addition to bringing along the trophies, staff from Barclays also conducted sessions on how to create a match fit CV to help students maximise their chances of future employment.
Mary Gleave is the Deputy Principal at Suffolk New College. Mary said: “To get to see the famous Barclays Premier League and Women’s Super League trophies in reality can only help inspire our students and get them to dream big in terms of their futures.
“It was a once in a lifetime opportunity, and we are incredibly grateful to Barclays for coming to see us.
“Also, a massive thanks to the Barclays team for working with us during a weeklong series of careers events – not only did they bring along one of the biggest prizes in world football to the college – they also gave advice to students about careers in the banking and finance sectors.”
Student Jason Ogbonna is a student at the college on an Ipswich Town Foundation course. One day, he wants to lift the Premier League as a player. On standing next to the trophies, Jason said, “It’s a once in a lifetime experience for me to just have this. I’m really grateful, thanks to the college and the foundation for giving me this opportunity.”
Elsewhere at the college during careers week, learners attended speed networking events, got job tips, and had branding sessions from companies that included Galliford Try, Highway Assurance, Port Health Suffolk Coastal Authority, and AtkinsRealis delivered a gamification and robotic workshop to IT learners.
And over 50 businesses came along to a careers festival held at the Suffolk New College and Suffolk Rural Campuses.
On the event as a whole, Kayleigh Norris – the Head of Careers and Employer Engagement said: “Every year we have a careers festival to do something aspirational for our learners so that they can engage with lots of different industries, as you never know what is going to spark their interest. It’s been really busy, with lots of workshops taking place across the week, and I am very thankful to my team and all of the amazing employers who have supported us.”
Andy Cowan is a Technical Skills Lead for British Sugar, and he came down to talk about job opportunities at the business where he works. He said, “We want to support local colleges and make the area aware of what we do locally. We are taking on 25 apprenticeships this September – and we want to bring in the next generation to our business. I think what the college is doing is super.”
Jenny Steytler is a Community Liaison Manager and the Suffolk Energy from Waste Facility. Jenny said, “This gave us a perfect opportunity to engage with young people about apprenticeship opportunities on our site. The aim is to potentially find someone who will end up working for us.”
Tina Wilson is the Business Development Manager for the Supply Chain Academy. Tina said: “We are offering apprenticeships to people so that they can earn whilst they learn. What the college is doing (by hosting this event) is fantastic.”
Alex Branaghan, 18, from Felixstowe, is on a childcare level 2 course at Suffolk New College. Alex said: “There are lots of job opportunities for loads of different people (at this careers festival) and this event makes me feel more optimistic about my future.”
Later in the year, Suffolk New College will be hosting a FutureSkills Fair in Ipswich.