Universities, apprenticeships and careers take centre stage at progression event

Over 400 students from Abbeygate Sixth Form College and West Suffolk College, in Bury St Edmunds, were invited to a collaborative progression event at One Sixth Form College, in Ipswich, last week.

The higher education and progression event offered independent advice and guidance to thousands of Suffolk-based youngsters. In total, 87 universities, apprenticeship providers and leading employers – representing every corner of the UK – came along to talk to over 2,000 students at the annual occasion.

David Gartland, principal of Abbeygate Sixth Form College, said: “It was a great event that provided students the opportunity to discuss their next steps with a huge range of HE providers including Russell Group Universities, apprenticeship providers and employers.

“We believe that for our students to do well not only do they need great teaching but they need to have a clear idea about all the amazing opportunities available to them and this event certainly provided a wealth of information to help them decide on their future progression.”

Angela Wright, head of admissions for West Suffolk College and Abbeygate Sixth Form College, said: “This event demonstrated how by working together across all three colleges in collaboration, we can provide all of our students a broad understanding of progression opportunities.”

Abbeygate Sixth Form College student Anna Pollitt, aged 16, from Bury said: “Being able to chat to people directly is a lot more personal than just reading information online.”

And West Suffolk College student Claudia Cannon, also 16 and from Bury, said: “This event has been so helpful in helping me decide what I want to do next.”

Grant Saker, head of recruitment at York St John University, explained: “This was my second time at the event and students from Suffolk really seem to resonate with the community feel that we offer at our university. My message was to do something that is 100% right for them.”

Post event, some students have already made appointments with their careers team to begin their personal statements in preparation for their university applications.

Pictured above are West Suffolk College students Claudia Cannon and Sydney Palmer enjoying the event.