QPHS magazine - Spring Term 2026 - Magazine - Page 35
CAREERS FAIR
Planning for the Future
Making decisions about Post-16 options
can feel daunting, but our Year 11
students are well on their way to making
confident, informed choices about their
futures.
As part of our whole-school careers
programme and commitment to CEIAG,
students attended a careers marketplace
event, giving them the chance to explore
a wide range of future pathways. Through
high quality information, advice and
guidance, students learned more about
further education, apprenticeships,
training and employment, helping them
feel informed, confident and excited
about the choices ahead.
With the support of the WCNW Chamber
of Commerce and The Pledge, we were
delighted to welcome a variety of
employers and training providers.
Exhibitors included representatives from
the Ministry of Defence, Leonardo Hotels,
Wrexham University, the Department for
Work and Pensions, HSBC, Cheshire
College South & West, Steven Gerrard
Academy, Coleg Cambria and Airbus.
INSPIRING PATHWAYS
Apprenticeship Insights
As part of National Apprenticeship Week (9th - 15th February), we
celebrated apprenticeships and the many benefits they offer to both
young people and employers. Apprenticeships provide an exciting route
into the world of work, combining practical experience with recognised
qualifications and helping individuals build rewarding careers while
developing future-ready skills for employers.
The event was a huge success, with
students making valuable connections
and gaining a clearer understanding of
the opportunities available to them.
Employers were extremely positive about
students9 engagement and
professionalism throughout the day.
Although apprenticeships have existed for many years, they are
sometimes misunderstood. To help students better understand the wide
range of opportunities now available, Mrs Watts led assemblies
throughout the week, highlighting apprenticeships as a valuable Post-16
pathway alongside more traditional routes.
To enhance the week further, we were delighted to welcome Sally
Catton, a Payroll Apprentice at We Contract and daughter of
our Year 9 Pastoral Manager, Mrs Catton. Sally spoke to all
Year 9 students about her own apprenticeship journey,
explaining how she explored her Post-16 options before
deciding that an apprenticeship was the right fit for her
skills and ambitions. She shared honest insights into the
application process, balancing work with study, and the
real-world skills she is now developing. Her enthusiasm
gave students a genuine insight into life as an apprentice
and the opportunities it can lead to. Sally9s message was
clear: apprenticeships offer a fantastic route into
employment, combining practical experience with
professional training.
We are extremely grateful to Sally and We Contract for
inspiring our students and supporting National Apprenticeship
Week.
For more information about current apprenticeship vacancies,
students and families can visit:
Find an apprenticeship - GOV.UK
We were extremely proud to
welcome back QPHS alumni
Freddie and Tyler, who
represented Airbus and shared
their career journeys with our
Year 11 students.
Mrs Watts, Careers Lead
