Year 10 Career Assemblies
Kier Group Construction Company
On Monday, Kelly, Head of Bid Management at Kier Group Construction Company, came to Presdales to talk to our Year 10 students about her career and experiences in the construction industry, as well as the opportunities that exist beyond working on-site and starting at 7am!
Kelly mentioned how the construction sector has changed since she started working in 2003. At that time, women accounted for less than 5% of professional or leadership roles in construction, with the majority in administrative or support positions. Although the industry remains predominantly male, there is an increasing number of women in senior management and professional positions. Initiatives have been implemented to enhance diversity and inclusion, and significant progress has been made, including the introduction of flexible working arrangements.
The construction industry is filled with exciting, creative, and strategic roles that take place behind the scenes – in offices, studios, and even remotely. Kelly told us that she works with women in design, sustainability, and digital delivery, and gave interesting examples of the work that she and her team have accomplished in the healthcare construction industry.
Kelly believes that construction could be the ideal sector for students who are passionate about Graphic Design, Design & Architecture, Marketing & Communications, Sustainability & Environmental Management, or Quantity Surveying, and she gave examples of the various pathways into the industry, including the Apprenticeships and Degree Apprenticeships available at the Kier Group.
Both students and staff were engaged throughout the session and found the presentation to be very informative.
Hertford Regional College
On Wednesday, Presdales had the pleasure of welcoming Katrina Willicombe, Community and School Liaison Officer from Hertford Regional College, who provided our Year 10 students with insights into what attending college entails, highlighting the key differences between Sixth Form and college.
Katrina talked about the options available to students aged 16 and above, detailing the various study programs at HRC, including T Levels and Apprenticeships, as well as the differences between the Broxbourne and Ware campuses.
Her presentation covered what a typical week would look like for students and the various types of support provided, including counselling and learning support, in addition to the extracurricular activities offered at HRC.
In November, those Year 11 students who are considering the college pathway will visit both the Broxbourne and Ware campuses of HRC to experience a part of what the college has to offer. They will spend time in various departments and participate in sessions relating to Fashion, Media Makeup, and Travel & Tourism.
Thank you so much, Kelly and Kristina for giving up your valuable time to speak to our Year 10s.
