Lincoln College hosted a day of networking, opportunities and provided a link between employers and students today.
Your Future Careers Expo is now an annual event that brings more than 50 employers together so that the current cohort of Lincoln College, Newark College and Air & Space Institute (Newark) students can strike up conversations, showcase their CVs or even interview for work experience, placements or apprenticeships.
Mark Locking, Principal and CEO, said: “It has been really inspiring to see, once more, how engaged our students were with employers who had very kindly given their time to come and discuss and present the opportunities available. I’m certain several of the discussions had today will lead to a future career for many of our students.”
Former Lincoln College student, Jack Fairweather, currently working at the Environment Agency as a Project Management Apprentice, attended today’s event to speak with current students about progression opportunities.
Jack began his journey studying at the School of Food & Hospitality at Lincoln College for two years, before progressing onto the Level 3 Business course.
While studying business, he undertook a 9-month industry placement, which helped him advance to the specialist Level 4 Apprenticeship.
Jack says: “During my time at Lincoln College, my studies significantly boosted my confidence, especially when paired with my placement. The financial aspect of the course content in business was particularly beneficial and helped build the skillset I now have for my current role.
“In my apprenticeship role, I support the delivery of our flood and coastal risk management programme, which includes tasks such as repairing flood walls, sluice gates, and locks. This includes anything related to main rivers. I have also had experience handling some of the financial reporting and organising team events.”
Grantham-based BGB Innovation were on the lookout for 3 Mechanical Engineering apprentices – a fantastic opportunity for students, who were prompt and ready with their CVs.
Elsewhere, construction experts Galliford Try were on hand to speak to anyone interested in the wide and varied roles that the company offers. Communities and Social Impact Manager, Joanne Scialo, said: “We are here seeking those enthusiastic about construction and are offering opportunities for work experience, placement opportunities and the chance to start an apprenticeship with us.
“We have specialities both on the professional side as well as the more site-based positions. This ranges from civil engineering to marketing and everything in between. We’re here to break down stereotypes that people might have that are related to construction, it’s a wide-ranging industry.”
Josh Cooke, a Mechanical Design Engineer from HGL Dynamics, a data management system specialist, said: “We’re here today not only to get our name out there, but to really show that careers within specialist engineering are available. We supply components to the aerospace industry, so hearing from students currently studying relevant subjects is really valuable for us.”
Social Impact Business Partner at Graham, a civil engineering firm, Lynsey Harris, said: “We are a Northern Ireland-based civil engineering firm, but we are currently overseeing the transformation of the road and bridge at Tritton Road in Lincoln.
“We’re here to highlight the opportunities that we have at Graham and to talk about the Graham Academy, where we manage our work experience, work placement and apprenticeships. We also provide a graduate programme, so we’re always keen to speak to people, no matter what level they are at.
“Those interested today could have long-term careers with companies like us. Some of our Academy candidates have gone on to spend almost a decade with us now, so the opportunities are there!”
