We are delighted here at the Wallace Careers Department with the incredibly productive and successful start to the year, providing students with unparalleled opportunities to explore their career options, develop key skills, and plan their futures with confidence.
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The Inaugural WHS Careers Fair
A major highlight was the first-ever WHS Careers Fair, an event that marked a significant milestone for the school. Over 50 employers, education providers, and training organisations attended, offering invaluable advice and guidance to almost 1,000 students. The fair provided a unique platform for students to engage directly with industry experts, gather insights into various career pathways, and better understand the qualifications and skills required in their chosen fields. The energy and enthusiasm displayed by the students as they explored the wealth of opportunities available to them were truly inspiring.
Year 12 Industry-Based Learning
In October, 180 Year 12 students participated in Industry-Based Learning, a transformative three-day experience that allowed them to step into the world of work. Each student spent time with an employer of their choice, gaining hands-on experience and developing essential transversal skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. This initiative not only helped students see the relevance of their studies to the workplace but also motivated them to strive for excellence during this crucial GCSE year.
We would like to thank the following employers for their ongoing support with our industry-based work experience:
| All Active Pilates & Physio | ALMAC | Andor |
| Army | Atkins Realis | Ballycarrickmaddy Primary School |
| Ballymacash Primary School | Barbor’s Den | Barry’s Vets |
| Boilerhouse Services | Brogan’s Opticians | CA Services |
| Carrickfergus Chemists Ltd | CBRE NI | COG Multimedia |
| Custom Crutches | Decora Blinds | Des Ewing Architects |
| Doug Beattie MLA | Downshire Primary School | Dromore Central Primary School |
| Education Authority | Effortless Beauty | Emma Little Pengelly MLA |
| Fire NI | Forthill Integrated Primary School | Gav Noble Physiotherapy |
| GenoMe | Gowdy’s of Down Royal | Harmony Hill Primary School |
| Heanen and Stanfield Accountancy | Heathwood House | Invest NI |
| JP Corry | Kings Park Primary School | Knockmore Primary School |
| KPMG | Largymore Primary School | Leckey |
| Lisburn Physio | LMI | Lurgan Football |
| Matchett’s Music | McCleary & Company Ltd | McCulla Ireland |
| McCready Architects | McClelland and Salter | Moira Cosmetic Dental |
| Moira Dental | Moira Primary School | Nutt’s Corner Racing |
| One by One Dental | O’Reilly Stewart Solicitors | Orthoderm |
| PAC Group | Padel 54 | Parkview Special School |
| Peter Sands Bar Library | Pilgrims | Pond Park Primary School |
| PRM | Randox | Rewards IT |
| Ridge Car Sales | Riverdale Primary School | Robbie Butler MLA |
| Robinson’s of Hillsborough | Rowan Equestrian | Rowandale Integrated Primary School |
| Salto | Sew Ready | Smiley Monroe |
| Smyth Patterson | SONAS | Specsavers Lisburn |
| Taughmonagh Primary School | The Mortgage Shop | Tonagh Primary School |
| Ulster Rugby | The Wallace High School and Preparatory Department |
Quotes from Employers
We were delighted to receive fantastic feedback from employers about Wallace pupils on their placements:
‘Anastacia was a great team player and happy to help with anything, she was wonderful with the animals and their owners!’ (Barry’s Vets)
‘Jack was very engaged and enthusiastic. Very receptive to instruction, polite and participated in back and forth discussion. Gained hands on experience in the lab.’ (Randox)
‘James asked questions and wanted to find out more information when the various Engineers where showing them the type of work and projects they were involved with’
(Atkins Realis)
‘Liv was amazing and settled into the classroom really easily. She was always looking for something to do or was more than happy to engage with the pupils without prompting.’ (Parkview Special School)
Mock Interviews and MMIs
For Year 14 students, mock interviews and multiple mini-interviews (MMIs) were organised, providing an authentic opportunity to practice and refine their interview techniques. Professionals from a wide range of disciplines generously offered their time to conduct these sessions, sharing expert advice and constructive feedback to help students prepare for the competitive application processes ahead. The experience was not only practical but also empowering, boosting the students’ confidence as they take the next steps towards their future aspirations.
Embracing Technology with PeopleHawk
To further enhance career planning, students at Wallace have begun using PeopleHawk, an innovative AI-based software package designed to help them identify their strengths and align these with potential career pathways. By leveraging this cutting-edge tool, students can make more informed decisions about their futures, ensuring their choices are guided by their unique talents and interests.
Looking Ahead
The Careers Department is delighted to see such a positive start to the year, with students across all year groups showing great enthusiasm and dedication in their pursuit of career success. These achievements are a testament to the hard work of our pupils, staff, and the wider Wallace community, and we are excited for the many opportunities and events planned for the coming months.
At Wallace High School, we are committed to equipping our students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to thrive in an ever-changing world. With such a strong start, we are confident that this year will be one of exceptional growth and success for all.
Reflections
Reflecting on a very busy first term for the Careers Department, Mrs Palmer stated:
“Hosting this year’s Careers Fair has been a truly rewarding experience. It was a fantastic opportunity for young people to engage directly with employers, further education institutions, and higher education representatives, all within our school setting. The fair provided invaluable insights into a diverse range of career paths, equipping students with the knowledge and inspiration they need to make informed decisions about their futures. We are proud to have created a platform where our students can explore opportunities, ask questions, and start building meaningful connections that will support their ambitions.”
You can keep up to date with our careers events at Wallace High School via http://www.instagram.com/wallacehighlisburn
Any prospective employers who may wish to offer industry based placements for our Year 12 in the future, can find out more detailed information in the article link below:
Last modified: December 10, 2024
