Destinations Day offers students insights into future pathways
This December, we held our Destinations Day 1 for first-year students, providing a fantastic opportunity to explore the wide range of progression pathways available beyond college.
Throughout the day, students attended insightful talks featuring over 60 employers and institutions, including Babcock, Imerys, Idenna Creative, Mott MacDonald, Cornish Lithium, BBC, British Army, Bailey Partnership, National Trust and Devon & Cornwall Police.
Students gained valuable insights into careers across various sectors, including creative careers, nursing, veterinary, psychology, politics, law, accountancy, architecture, marketing, PR, engineering, games design, film, sports coaching, midwifery, police, teaching, and many more.
In addition to exploring careers, students also discovered a range of alternative post-18 pathways, including apprenticeships, protective services, gap years and higher education with presentations from University Centre Truro & Penwith, University of Plymouth, Plymouth Marjon University, Arts University Plymouth, Falmouth University and Exeter University. Additional sessions covered topics such as setting up a business with talks from Encounter C and Marengo Communications and student finance and budgeting with Next Steps SW.
It was also fantastic to welcome back former Callywith students who returned to share their inspiring journeys and motivate current learners. Olivia Davies, a former A Level Business, Maths and Fine Art student, now completing a Level 4 Buying & Merchandising Apprenticeship with Seasalt Cornwall, spoke about her role. Former A Level Business student Barney Knight, now General Manager of CHX Products, discussed the realities of managing a small business. Tristan Young, a former IT Extended Diploma student, shared insights from his Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship with CACI Ltd.
Amy Bristow, a former Children’s Play, Learning and Development student who completed a Primary Teaching degree with Truro & Penwith University Centre, shared her university experience and future plans. Olivia Burgess, a former Health & Social Care student currently completing an Adult Nursing Degree Apprenticeship, spoke about the application process and life as an apprentice nurse. Aimee Walters, a former A Level student, shared her journey as an Environmental Practitioner Degree Apprentice with the Environment Agency. Finally, Alfie Yates, now studying Paramedic Science at Plymouth University, discussed his course and placement experience.
Thank you to all the employers, former students, higher education institutions, and organisations who supported the event and helped make it such a valuable experience for our students.
Following Destinations Day, we will be hosting a series of subject-focused networking lunches throughout the year. If you are a professional, organisation, or former student interested in participating, please email davidsellars@callywith.ac.uk