News

As part of our careers programme, we hosted a lively series of speed-dating-style discussions for Sixth Form students during National Apprenticeships Week. The event brought together 15 representatives from a wide range of industries, each offering valuable insight into the opportunities an apprenticeship route can provide.

The sessions featured current apprentices, employers and training providers, giving Year 12 and Year 13 students the chance to explore what day-to-day life as an apprentice is really like. Students also learned what employers are looking for, what training providers offer, and how to make applications stand out and perform confidently at interview.

Several Attleborough Academy alumni returned to share their own post-Sixth Form journeys providing inspiring real-world examples of success. This included Ronnie, now an Audit Apprentice at KPMG; Korben, a Cyber Security Apprentice at South Norfolk and Broadland Councils; and Harry, who was promoted to Assistant Quantity Surveyor at RG Carter after successfully completing his apprenticeship.

Students responded extremely positively to the event, highlighting how it broadened their understanding of post-18 options and helped them see apprenticeships as a credible and exciting pathway. One student described the sessions as “full of useful information about apprenticeships, how and where to apply, and the different levels available,” while another reflected that the event “made me consider other options post A-levels.” Others valued gaining clarity about alternative pathways, explaining that they now understood “why an apprenticeship is a great option if you are not sure what you want to do job-wise,” and that the event helped them realise “there are other career routes besides university.”

Speaking after the event, David Nevard, Assistant Head of Sixth Form, said:

“We are hugely grateful to all of the external speakers who gave their time so generously. The insight, honesty and enthusiasm they brought made a real difference for our students, and events like this play a vital role in helping young people make informed and confident decisions about their futures.”