Be Ambitious Week: Monday 3rd July - Friday 7th July 2023

This year, we have launched our Be Ambitious Employability Programme designed to support A1 students with gaining meaningful work experience by self-placing or participating in an employer-led project at college. We have some fantastic opportunities to get involved in with local, national and international employers! 

What can I get involved in during Be Ambitious Week 2023?

Choose the best option for you: either self-place or apply for an employer-led project. Both opportunities are great ways to develop a variety of transferable employability skills, build networks and start thinking about potential next steps.

What is a self-placement?

Students can choose a placement sourced by our Work Placements Team or contact an employer themselves. Any questions, please email placements@asfc.ac.uk

What is the Be Ambitious employer-led project?

Experience what it's like to work on real workplace projects...

We have a variety of meaningful work-based projects on offer from a number of different sectors, organisations and employers. Throughout the week, you will be supported by an Industry Mentor and link teacher; this is a brilliant way for you to work collaboratively, research something outside of what you're studying in the classroom, all whilst delving into the world of work.

  • Launch Event: an introduction to the programme and receive a guide to support you with the week
  • Be Ambitious Week: Meet your Industry Mentor to discuss your project brief in more detail, work in groups or independently on a project, have check-in points with your mentor and finally present your project back to receive feedback at the end of the week.

From contributions during the week, to the final presentation of projects... Industry Mentors have the option to nominate students who have stood out during the programme with prizes and awards up for grabs during our annual Awards Evening! 

How do I apply to an employer-led project?

Students apply via a Google Form. Choose three projects and write a statement as to why you think you should be chosen for your first-choice project brief. Where possible, we will match students with their first-choice project, however this is not always possible. For more information, check your college emails from beambitious@asfc.ac.uk or scan the QR codes on posters located around college!

Applications are now live! Please check your student emails for the sign up link.

What do students get out of the experience?

Students get the opportunity to work with an organisation on an exciting project in a meaningful way. You will develop essential sector and employability skills as well as benefit from experience of the world of work. It gives students valuable insight into various sectors, helping you to think about your future career and develop your social capital. 

What if I am unsure about what I want to do?

We understand making decisions about your next steps can sometimes be daunting. If you are unsure what pathway you want take after college, think about what your strengths are, your interests and what subjects you enjoy. For more information, email beambitious@asfc.ac.uk and we can discuss potential options!

 

Be Ambitious Week: Monday 3rd July - Friday 7th July 2023

What is Be Ambitious?

Be Ambitious is our new employability programme giving opportunity for employers and industry professionals to work with students from Ashton Sixth Form College on our either a real life work-based project or providing work experience for students to self-place. Read our FAQs here.

What do employers get out of the experience?

Employers will have the opportunity to design a project brief that the business could benefit from, for example, the project could consist of some local market research or an idea for a new product design. You could also use this as an opportunity to raise the profile of your business with young people or attract a more diverse workforce. Ultimately, this is a fantastic opportunity for you to make a difference to young people’s lives and influence their future career path.

Become a sponsor

Are you interested in raising your profile with young people to attract a more diverse workforce? Do you want to support future talent? Find out how to become a sponsor here.

 Employer Opportunities 

Ashton Sixth Form College is keen to expand our Employer Network, increase opportunities for students and help prevent skills gaps. We want to give students an insight into a variety of industries; below are some of the things you can get involved in: 

  • Guest speaker – Throughout the year, we invite employers to visit ASFC to deliver talks to large groups, subject classes or run a 1:1 discussion/smaller sessions. This gives students the chance to ask employers questions about their business or the wider sector. 
  • Be Ambitious - Our flagship employability programme designed to support students to complete a meaningful work-based project set by industry professionals. Employers will have the opportunity to design a project brief for students that the business could benefit from e.g. a project that consists of some local market research or an idea for a new product design.  
  • Workplace safari – Invite students for a “day in the life” to get a taste of the world of work. Employers can take students on a tour of the facilities/departments and showcase the different careers within the business. Some organisations tie this in with a session on careers within the industry. This could be a couple of hours or a full day. 
  • Work placements – Work with our Work Placements Team to provide valuable work experience for our students. The team will support employers to build the placement on an individual basis. Students may need to complete a certain amount of hours for their course or be interested in a week/two-week long experience during a half-term break.
  • Industry/sector focused workshops - Invite students to take part in a planned project or masterclass/workshop this can be held at your organisation or at the college. 
  • Mentoring – The opportunity to match employers with students interested in a particular profession. Mentoring allows students to expand their professional networks, explore a particular sector, build confidence and develop crucial work-related skills.  
  • Participation in Careers Fairs – Invitations will be sent to attend a variety of events; employers will be given a stand and will have the opportunity to share information about joining your industry after students leave college. 
  • Virtual employer experiences – From ‘Days in the Life of’ Tour to Q&A sessions, there are lots of ways to work together virtually.  

If you have any questions, please email beambitious@asfc.ac.uk.

Download the Industry Mentor Guide here.

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