As part of national Careers Week, students preparing to graduate this year took part in a two‑day Careers Conference designed to support them into the next chapter of their lives.
More than 50 leavers from our Gobowen, Telford and Ludlow campuses came together for activities offering guidance on future jobs, independent living and life after Derwen College. The event gave students reassurance about what the future might look like, as well as hands‑on experiences linked to their next steps.
Students received their Leavers Books, voted on the colour of their leavers’ hoodies, and filmed their goodbyes for the graduation ceremony video.
Workshops offered have‑a‑go activities linked to the College’s main vocational pathways – including table laying, planting, dressing a mannequin and improvisation. Students also explored interview preparation, looking at what to wear, what to ask potential employers and how to make a good first impression.
Work shops and interviews
Practice interviews were carried out by Catherine Armstrong from CA Consultancy Ltd, and Ruth Court, business coach and Derwen College Governor, as well as Derwen College staff.
Other workshops included using reading, writing, maths and money skills in the future.
We were delighted to welcome a brilliant group of industry champions and business experts who shared their knowledge, talked about their job roles and answered students’ questions. They were Mark Prust from Llanfyllin Spa, Sarah Crowther from Premier Inn, Sorrel Taylor from Erlas Victorian Walled Garden, Ollie Burnett from Core Gym Oswestry, Brian Colley from Glyn Wylfa, and Jane Liddiatt from Oswestry Pyjama Drama.
Students asked questions including what was the favourite part of their jobs. They all agreed that ‘people’ and ‘making a difference’ were the main good points. For example, Sarah said: “It’s the people! I like to be able to have fun at work, with my team and with guests.”
Graduate advice from Jacob and Brendan
The conference finished with talks from two of last year’s graduates – Jacob and Brendan – who shared where they are now living and working, and offered valuable advice to this year’s leavers. Students were encouraged to keep in touch through our Derwen Connects alumni group.
Samantha Brown, Head of Satellites Provision and Careers, said:
“A few years ago, I attended a careers conference and came away so inspired about how powerful it would be for our students to experience something similar – a space where they could explore real job roles, explore interview skills and ask questions with confidence. Bringing that idea to life at Derwen College in 2024 and developing it further, and seeing how engaged our leavers have been over these two days, has been incredibly rewarding.”
