Progression plans all wrapped up for business and law students

A group of business management and law-sector employers, universities and Apprenticeship providers were bought together by Walsall College to help students organise their sixth form progression.

A Virtual Progression Planning Week saw different professionals and experts share their career journeys while organisations provided information about higher level study and training opportunities available from September 2023.

Representatives from HSBC, HCB Solicitors and FBC Manby Bowdler were some of the professionals giving talks.  Sessions on wellbeing and next career steps also came from Aston University, University of Birmingham, Staffordshire University and the National Careers Service

Jackie Bradnick, Work Experience Coordinator at the college said: “This is the first time we’ve delivered a progression planning week online and it couldn’t have gone better.  During talks, Q & A sessions, group discussions and personal reflections, students opened up about their aspirations, strengths and weaknesses and identified pathways to pursue. They also understood more about the further support and encouragement available to help them get to where they want to be in future.

She continued: “100% of students say they now feel more confident about their ability to achieve their goals.  This demonstrates just how highly we value the input of external providers and partners when it comes to ensuring our learners continue building on their achievements and establish themselves professionally.”

Millie Grundy, Trainee Solicitor at FBC Manby Bowdler LLP shared her non-conventional journey into law and discussed the various pathways available to students interested in pursuing a career in the legal sector.

Millie said: “It is always such an honour to be asked to talk to students, especially those who would like to pursue a career in law. I left school having no idea what my future would hold, so for the students to already be considering a legal career, and attend my session, really shows how passionate they all are!’’

“By discussing my academic journey, including the highs, lows, and everything in between through to my current position as a Trainee Solicitor, I hope I have shown others what they can achieve. Thank you for having me and good luck everyone!”

An employer-set progression project on the themes of enterprise and entrepreneurship and the role and function of the supreme court will also support the students’ development of a wider skills-set around wellbeing and networking.  This is being completed through the Future Learn digital education platform and they will work on this for one day during every half term.