There has been a flurry of activity online and within the College as Industry Week workshops and activities got underway this week.

Industry Week in February 2022 has become a hybrid of virtual and in-person activities in order to provide learners in mid-Essex with greater flexibility to access resources, connect with speakers, ask questions, gather more information and - most importantly - to be inspired.

Talks on offer included Media with Thomas Rollett from Norwich University of the Arts, Sport with Jamie Heath from PT Studio One, Business Law with Backhouse Solicitors, Travel and Tourism with Lauren Dixon from Ryanair and Diagnostic Radiography with University of Suffolk. Immersive workshops were delivered by Pulse CSI for our Health and Sciences students, whilst Anglia Ruskin University and the University of Essex also delivered online sessions.

We’re grateful to all our local employers who agreed to take part, for sharing their insights and helping inspire future generations with a glimpse into their world. Chelmsford College learners are supported with a dedicated Careers Advice Zone Team, who make it their mission to provide training on career development, from CV writing and UCAS applications to providing free careers advice sessions, so that individuals can develop their own individual career progression plans, having a purpose and a goal to aim for.

Sarah-Jane Easdown, Information, Advice and Guidance Manager of the Careers Advice Zone Team at Chelmsford College said "We hold a number of events throughout our academic year to support our learners. This year's Industry Week theme was "Inspiration Awaits You". We wanted to encourage students to research and plan ahead and use this opportunity to ask questions to presenters to reaffirm their career choices. We are grateful to everyone who took part - thank you for inspiring our learners to carefully consider their future careers."

On Monday 31 January, Applied Science students tuned in to an online Life Sciences workshop hosted by University of Essex, whilst Sports students heard from Hollie and Simon from Active Essex and Jamie Heath from PT Studio One about careers in the Sports Industry.

On Tuesday 1 February, the College welcomed several guest speakers to talk with our students about industry expectations and future opportunities. Speakers included Laura and Sheila from Premier Education UK, Kate from Norland College, Danny Parlour from London Blue Badge Tourist Guide and Lauren from Ryanair.

On Wednesday, 2 February, exhibitors including University of Essex and Anglia Ruskin University joined us, so that students could find out more about Higher Education, life at Uni, degree apprenticeships and their next steps after College. Norwich University of the Arts and University of Suffolk also talked with Chelmsford students about career options and the importance of industry experience.

Next week the College will celebrate the 15th year of National Apprenticeships Week #NAW2022, encouraging students and school-leavers to explore their options and consider apprenticeships.