Careers Week at Petty Pool was a week filled with inspiration, learning, and career exploration, giving our learners a chance to connect with industry professionals and build vital skills for the future.
This week-long event perfectly aligned with our mission to provide exceptional education in an inclusive environment, equipping our learners with all the necessary skills to thrive in the workplace.
Throughout the week, learners participated in a variety of engaging activities that not only allowed them to explore potential careers but also enhanced their skills in real-world contexts.
Here are just a few of the activities that took place this week:
1. Digital Learners Meet Industry Expert, And Harding
Our Digital learners had the fantastic opportunity to have a visit from Ant Harding, a talented Film & TV Graphic Designer. Ant recently finished working as a Graphic Artist on the Netflix series House of Guinness, and his extensive portfolio includes award-winning projects such as It’s a Sin, the crime thriller Stay Close, and the BBC drama Ridley Road.
During his talk, Ant shared his experiences, showing examples of his work, including stop-motion characters and illustrated books such as Okichobee – The Rabbit with a Hop of His Own and Franklyn – No Ordinary Fox. The learners also had the chance to showcase their own stop-motion BTEC work to Ant, gaining valuable feedback from someone working at the cutting edge of the industry.
This session empowered learners to see the potential of their creative talents and how they can pursue opportunities in the digital and media sectors.
2. Chester FC Visit: Insights into the Football Industry
Our learners were thrilled to be joined by Jay Gilmartin, Harrison Blake, and Nathan Woodthorpe from Chester FC. The group gave a talk about the world of professional football, both on and off the pitch. They shared insights into their roles as community coaches and footballers, and spoke about the many career opportunities within the football industry.
Nathan, a right-back for Chester FC and brother of former learner Ash, also shared his personal journey and how pursuing a career in football can lead to a range of exciting possibilities.
This visit supported our mission to help learners understand the wide variety of career paths available to them and how their passions can translate into meaningful work.
3. Learners Explore Careers in Digital Design & Game Development
Some of our learners dove into the world of digital design, particularly game design. They used creative thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and English skills to design a game, including characters, a storyline, and levels with challenges and solutions.
The learners then used their business skills to pitch their game to their peers. It was a fantastic way to combine creativity and practical skills, providing a real taste of what it’s like to work in the digital design industry.
This activity reinforced our vision of empowering learners to explore exciting career possibilities in the ever-growing world of technology and creative industries.
4. Supported Internship at Elm Cottage Touring Park
Rhys, who has been on a supported internship at Elm Cottage Touring Park since September, had the opportunity to show next year’s potential learners around the site.
Rhys, having developed valuable skills from his time in the horticulture class, guided them through the park, explaining the various jobs and the necessary equipment. This experience perfectly aligned with Careers Week, as Rhys demonstrated leadership and initiative, while offering insights into the role of a supported intern and the various job opportunities that can stem from such experiences.
It’s a shining example of how our inclusive environment helps learners build the confidence and skills to succeed in real-world settings, which is at the core of our mission.
5. Careers Fair: Connecting Learners with Employers
One of the highlights of Careers Week was undoubtedly the Careers Fair, where learners had the chance to meet and network with employers from a variety of industries. We were joined by some fantastic organisations, including Blakemere Village, Leighton Hospital, Petty Pool in the Community, Gavin J Priest Photography, Disability Positive, Petty Pool Supported Interns, Cheshire College, and Reaseheath College.
The fair gave students a practical look at the types of careers available to them, as well as the skills and qualifications needed to succeed. Learners were able to speak directly with professionals, ask questions, and gain insights into how they can pursue their own career goals.
It was an invaluable opportunity for students to explore potential career paths and make connections with professionals in different fields.
6. Preparing for Work with Healthy Packed Lunches
As part of Careers Week, learners in the Healthy Lifestyles class took part in a hands-on activity where they planned and made their own healthy packed lunches. This activity not only helped them understand the importance of healthy eating but also taught them valuable skills for preparing for work—independently making decisions about what to bring, selecting healthy ingredients, and creating nourishing meals.
These are the types of practical life skills that support our mission to build a strong foundation for life for our learners.
7. CV Building
Throughout the week, learners were also supported in building their CVs—an essential skill when starting a career. Workshops focused on how to present their skills and experiences effectively, helping them feel confident when it’s time to start applying for jobs.
Careers Week 2025 was an amazing success, filled with opportunities for learners to explore different career paths, gain insights from industry experts, and build essential skills for their future careers.
By connecting our mission, vision and values to the activities of Careers Week, we are proud to have empowered our learners to take proactive steps towards their futures. As we continue to support them in their career journeys, we look forward to seeing the next generation of professionals thrive!
If you would like to learn more about our College, download our Prospecturs here.