Pendleton students get ‘Career Ready’ with top employers

Nineteen Pendleton Sixth Form College students are preparing to celebrate their success after gaining valuable experience with some of the UK's biggest employers through the Career Ready programme.

The Upper Sixth students will graduate at Salford Business School in December, marking the culmination of a programme designed to boost confidence, develop employability skills and open doors to future careers. Throughout their Career Ready journey, students have benefited from opportunities involving leading organisations including Allianz, AXA Insurance, Turner & Townsend, APAM, TransPennine Express and Salford City Council.

The programme, run by UK-wide social mobility charity Career Ready, connects young people aged 16–18 with employers and business volunteers, offering workplace visits, professional mentoring, skills masterclasses and paid internships.

These experiences give students a valuable insight into the working world, helping them develop everything from communication and networking skills to interview techniques and professional confidence.

Sarah Hardie, Head of Department for Humanities, Culture and Commerce at Pendleton Sixth Form College, said: "We're incredibly proud of our students and everything they've achieved. They've embraced some fantastic opportunities, gained valuable experience and developed skills that will stay with them long after they leave college.

"Working alongside professionals from such well-respected organisations is an amazing opportunity, and we're extremely grateful to the employers and mentors who have helped make it possible."

 

Next Generation Ready to Take on the Challenge

 

As one group prepares to graduate, another is just getting started!

Following a competitive application and interview process, 15 Lower Sixth Business and Economics students have secured places on this year's Career Ready programme.

Over the next year, they will take part in a series of exciting opportunities, including workplace visits, employability masterclasses, monthly meetings with business mentors and a paid internship, giving them the chance to put their skills into practice in a professional environment.

The programme aims to raise aspirations, build confidence and help students make informed decisions about their future careers.

Sarah added: "Our new students have done brilliantly to secure their places, particularly given the competitive selection process.
"Career Ready is about opening doors and showing young people just what's possible. The opportunities and connections they make can be genuinely life-changing, and we're excited to see what this next group achieves."

 

 

The continued success of the programme reflects Pendleton Sixth Form College's commitment to helping students develop the skills, confidence and experience needed to succeed beyond the classroom. With 19 students preparing to celebrate their achievements and another 15 embarking on their journey, the future is looking bright for Pendleton's next generation of talent.