Lower Sixth Form pupils enjoyed a valuable opportunity to get to grips with potential future careers at the King’s Bruton Lower Sixth Careers and Higher Education Convention.

Key-note speakers Brigadier Mark Hallas and Old Brutonian Ed Salmon provided a thought-provoking start to the Convention, as they shared their career experience and their advice for the pupils present in their own career pathways. Brigadier Hallas, Chief Executive of the Crimestoppers Trust, offered wise views on the importance of gaining a university degree, the value of which goes beyond the specific subject to the development of skills of thinking, analysing, and of readiness to debate and question rather than simply accept. He also encouraged the pupils to develop an ability to bounce back when failure comes, as it is in the responding to failure that one grows.  

Old Brutonian Ed Salmon, chronicled his career pathway, from being a Blackford House sixth former, taking a gap year, going to Exeter University to study for a Business Economics degree, before finally starting his current role as an Area of Operations Manager with Aldi Supermarkets. Ed inspired and set an example to Lower Sixth Brutonians with the steps he took along the way, from valuable work experience, to a productive and planned gap year and then on to his application to join the Aldi Graduate Training Scheme. Pupils were struck by the encouragement to explore options, gain experience and follow the interests you have as you progress in your career search.

Alongside the key-note speakers, twenty representatives from a wide range of careers held seminars with small groups of Lower Sixth  Form pupils. These seminars allowed each of the pupils the chance to question, learn and be enthused by carefully-matched career representatives. From agricultural surveying, through banking, the Civil Service, engineering, estate agency and law, to hospitality, teaching and web design and many more, a diverse range of careers information was passed on the pupils were given much food for thought. They, and the School, were hugely appreciative of the time given by so many professionals. Lower Sixth Form pupils will benefit from these seminars as they think through and discuss their career aspirations and pathways with the ongoing advice and guidance given at King’s Bruton.

Whist the pupils were learning from their delegate seminars, their parents were given a thorough briefing on the next steps for the Lower Sixth by Mr Daws, Head of Sixth Form. Many topics including ongoing careers advice, university research, applications, finance, degree apprenticeships and gap years were covered.

With networking being an important skill in career progression, the Convention finished with lunch and a final chance to quiz the delegates, wrapping up a productive, helpful and inspirational morning for all who attended.

Will Daws - Head of Sixth Form