Past inspired present when alumni from a Lynn school returned to share their knowledge and career advice with current pupils.
Speakers at the Springwood High School Futures Event included former students Adam Wren from Larking Gowen accountants; Nathan Poll from Inshore Fisheries; Ruby Goodchild from Brown & Co estate agency; Aaron Winters and Dan McNicol from Stephenson Smart Chartered Accountants; Ryan Lake from John Lake Shellfish; Owen Claydon-Nicol from the NHS East of England Ambulance Service; and Izzy King, who is a fourth-year veterinary student at Harper Adams University.
The school’s Careers Lead and Head of Year 12, Nicky Thompson, arranged the event with Head of Year 10 Oliver Denton, Head of Year 11 Pete Cuss, and Head of Year 13 Luke Rawling.
“There were more than 50 exhibitors from the world of work and education,” she explained. “A wide range of employment sectors were represented this year, with key employers being Bespak, Dodmans, British Sugar, QEH, BAE Systems, Cranswick Food, Mars, Stephenson Smart, and Ward Gethin.
“New this year were Searles, Pilgrim Foods, RMD Kwikform, MVV Environment, Eastern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority, and John Lake Shellfish.”
More than 1,000 students from Years 10 to 13 attended the day-long event, in which potential employers and education providers delivered workshops to help students make informed decisions about the future.
“It was a pleasure to meet the students at Springwood Sixth Form and talk to them about a career in accountancy,” said Tax Assistant Mr Wren. “They showed a real interest in the profession, and it was great to share some insight into the variety of work we do on a day-to-day basis.
“It was especially rewarding to speak with students as they explored their future career options, and to highlight the many opportunities available at Larking Gowen and within the wider profession, as well as the multiple routes that can be taken to pursue a career in accountancy.”
Conservation Officer Mr Poll agreed: “It was a real pleasure to return to my old school, this time representing Eastern IFCA.
“Having studied here before going on to pursue a career in marine conservation and fisheries management, it was great to share my experiences with students and show them some of the opportunities available in protecting our local seas and marine environment.”
Fellow alumnus Mr McNicol also enjoyed revisiting Springwood, saying: “It was great to return to my old school and speak to students about where a career in accountancy can take you.
“It was particularly rewarding to answer their questions and hopefully give them a better idea of the different opportunities and apprenticeships available at Stephenson Smart.”
Paramedic Operations Manager Mr Claydon-Nicol added: “As a former pupil of Springwood, it is always nice to come back and engage with the students.”
It was the third time the event had taken place at Springwood, which is a member of the West Norfolk Academies Trust.
Miss Thompson continued: “Springwood High School is committed to providing high quality Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) for all students – encouraging them to aim higher and explore engaging and rewarding careers.
“The School’s Careers Plan ensures that every student has opportunities to learn from employers about work, employment and the skills that are valued in the workplace – the Futures Event brought together students and multiple employers to do just that.”
