Year 10 students from St Paul’s Way recently took part in an inspiring 5 day work experience programme hosted by the University Schools Trust. The initiative provided a valuable opportunity for young people to gain first-hand insight into the professional world and begin thinking more deeply about their future career pathways.

Throughout the week, students rotated through a range of departments within the Trust, spending one day each in marketing, partnerships and fundraising, data, and finance.

Here’s a few topics they were able to learn:

• In marketing, they explored how communication and branding are used to engage school communities.
• In partnerships and fundraising, they learned how relationships with external organisations help support educational opportunities.
• In data, they saw how information is used to inform decisions.
• In finance they gained an understanding of budgeting and resource management.

On the final day, students delivered presentations using PowerPoint to reflect on their experiences across the week. They shared what they had learned, highlighting new knowledge as well as key skills developed during the programme.

Many students identified the importance of being creative and adaptable, recognising that these human skills are essential in interviews and future workplaces.

The experience also encouraged students to think seriously about their future aspirations. Some began considering careers in teaching, others showed interest in office based environments, and another shared ambitious goals such as becoming pilot or pursuing a wide range of other professions.

Overall, students reported that the programme helped them feel more confident about exploring different career pathways.

This experience reflects our mission of providing transformational education for all, by offering meaningful opportunities beyond the classroom that broaden horizons, develop essential skills and inspire young people to shape their futures with confidence and ambition.