College News

Employment and Gap Year Fair

QE have found out about the exciting career opportunities available to them after their A levels through the College’s annual Employment & Gap Year Fair. Around 40 employers, training providers, public services and Gap Year organisations spoke to students about national school leaver schemes as well as apprenticeships and some exciting projects offered by Gap Year providers. They advised our students about entry routes, roles, how to apply and tips for success.  It was great to see some of our ex students working for a range of organisations including Charlotte Lakey who gained a place on Ernst Young’s prestigious A level school leaver scheme and is now training to be an accountant.  Ben Taylor and Nathan Maybrey gave advice on applying for the Civil Service fast track apprenticeship scheme – they now work as trainee Project Managers in ICT.  Two ex-students Sophie Hawman and Joshua Beagle are working as apprentices in the Art & Design and ICT departments of GlaxoSmithKline and Brad Hemingway is an apprentice mechanical engineer with Mechtool Limited.  All are receiving recognised training with the opportunity to train to degree level.

Sophie said “It is always great to come back to the College and tell students about your own career path and what it is like to train on the job” whilst Ben added “Getting onto the fast track apprenticeship scheme with the Civil Service has provided me with an opportunity to progress pretty quickly, after only a few years, I am now managing projects and earning good money”.

Sam Leask, HR Manager of Modus Ltd said “We are always happy to provide support to the College, including work experience placements as it gives students an insight into an industry as well as important employability skills”.