

National Careers Week begins on Monday, and while careers education is a constant focus for us at Garstang Community Academy, this week offers an exciting opportunity to shine an extra light on the experiences, pathways, and possibilities available to our students. Here’s what’s coming up:
Monday: NHS Assembly & Year 11 Interviews
Year 8 NHS Assembly Students will take part in an engaging and impactful assembly delivered by the NHS, exploring a full patient journey and the wide range of clinical and non‑clinical roles involved. This session helps students understand just how many different skills and professions contribute to healthcare. The Year 8 “Step into the NHS” competition will also be launched during the assembly.
Preston College Interviews Preston College will be in school throughout the day to interview Year 11 applicants, supporting them as they take their next steps toward post‑16 study.
Wednesday: MEGA Day & Amazon Fulfilment Centre Visit
Year 10 MEGA Day at Blackpool & Fylde College Fifty‑four of our Year 10 students will take part in a MEGA Day linked to Lancashire’s pioneering AI Super Curriculum. Students will gain hands‑on experience with:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Cybersecurity
- Machine learning
- Virtual reality
They’ll also take part in team challenges, including the popular AI Entrepreneurs Challenge, supported by industry professionals from organisations such as IBM, KPMG, BNY, and BT. This day is designed to inspire young people to explore future careers in technology and innovation.
Year 9 Amazon Fulfilment Centre Visit A group of Year 9 students will visit the Amazon Fulfilment Centre to see first‑hand how technology, logistics, and operations come together in a major global organisation. This visit offers valuable insight into the wide range of careers linked to this sector.
Thursday: Apprenticeships Assembly
ASK will be in school delivering an assembly to Year 10 focused on apprenticeship pathways. This session will help students begin thinking about the options available to them after Year 11, including the benefits of earning while learning.
Friday: Future Friday – Spotlight on Dental Nurse
This week’s Future Friday form‑time session will spotlight the career of a Dental Nurse, giving students an insight into the skills, responsibilities, training routes, and progression opportunities within this essential healthcare profession.
National Careers Week is a brilliant opportunity for our students to broaden their horizons, explore new possibilities, and begin imagining the futures they want to build.
Careers Websites to Explore
Students and families may find these trusted websites helpful when exploring pathways, researching roles, or preparing for next steps:
- National Careers Service — Detailed job profiles, skills information, and career planning tools. https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/
- Start Profile — Interactive careers platform used in school to explore pathways and build a personal profile. https://www.startprofile.com/
- UCAS — Information on university courses, apprenticeships, and post‑16 options. https://www.ucas.com/
- Amazing Apprenticeships — Clear guidance on apprenticeships, including vacancies and employer information. https://amazingapprenticeships.com/
- Step Into the NHS — Careers information and the Year 8 competition. https://www.stepintothenhs.nhs.uk/
- Prospects — University‑level careers information, job profiles, and labour market insights. https://www.prospects.ac.uk/

.jpg)
.png)