As part of our Futures service, our Schools Liaison Team work closely with schools, sixth forms, academies and IAG providers across Northamptonshire and surrounding counties delivering useful and relevant information to students.

Having once again secured Matrix accreditation in 2018, we have been recognised as being able to offer impartial information to support young people to make well informed, realistic decisions about their options, education and future career choices.

As qualified and experienced careers advisors, we are passionate about raising aspirations and motivating/empowering young people by providing them with advice and guidance when making their next step and considering their future.

What can we offer you?

Our team visit your school, work closely with your staff and advise pupils to increase awareness of the full range of learning opportunities that are available to them. With extensive knowledge of vocational courses and progression routes, we can support you to meet the relevant requirement of the Gatsby benchmarks to provide your students with an encounter with a further education provider.

‘Igniting the Spark’ Initiative

One of our most recent successes has been our ‘Igniting the Spark’ initiative, a drive to encourage young people to consider courses in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) subjects. As part of this, we invited groups of year 10 and 11 pupils from local schools into college to participate in a series of workshops led by The National Space Academy.

One year 10 student said: “I enjoyed learning about the theory side of space and combining this with the practical elements. I hope to go to university and continue my studies in science and maths.”

Patrick Leavey, Deputy Principal at Northampton College, said: “These workshops offer a compelling insight into what it would be like to both study STEM subjects and work in that field in the future. It was wonderful to see the students so engaged with their learning, having fun and discovering exciting new techniques.”

Schools were also invited to compete in a low carbon STEM related practical challenge on a large scaffold system. This exciting event saw teams of eight working together to install a solar powered water system.

Paul Nelson, from sponsors Kier, said: “It’s been fantastic to see the students working as a team to solve problems to the challenges they were presented with. Their work was extremely impressive and it’s great to see the future is in such good shape.”

Amy Ball, a Business Administration apprentice who formed a part of the winning team, said: “It was brilliant to take part in The Big Rig, which is unlike anything I’ve ever done before. It made me think about things in a completely different way and has improved my teamwork, communication and leadership skills. I’ve learnt a lot and made new friends along the way.”

Other liaison opportunities

We are happy to be involved in a variety of events including:

• Assemblies
• Parents’ evenings
• Careers fairs
• Workshops.

Tours of the College and taster sessions for groups of students can also be arranged.

To find out more information, make a booking or to be added to the mailing list for schools liaison updates, please contact Kirsty Dyson, IAG & Schools Liaison Coordinator This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.