News & Headteacher Blogs

Our Apprenticeship Awareness event this week (15 January), saw exhibitors, recruitment companies and training providers talking to students about apprenticeship schemes and associated opportunities.

Local employers including Vodafone, Microsoft, Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE), the Army and the RAF spoke to a large number of students about the benefits of their apprenticeship schemes. Attendees included former students Mariella Springfield and Felix Warren, who are both successfully undertaking apprenticeships with local employers.

Careers Leader, Penny Allum added: “I am delighted with the support received from the visiting companies, and the enthusiasm of students at this event.  It is vital that our students have access to the full range of opportunities available to them in the future and the chance to meet with local employers and training providers.”

Apprenticeships are paid jobs that incorporate on and off the job training, ranging from entry to Degree level. At the Downs School, our careers programme provides students with the skills and knowledge to make choices that are best for them, whether they go onto further or higher education, apprenticeships, employment or self-employment once they leave.