Careers Talks in Science

In April, the Science department had a visitor in to tell her tales of her exciting life as an engineering student at the University of Durham, one of the highest ranked universities in the country. Many students gathered during their lunchtime to listen to Kirsten talk about how she got into engineering and the exciting projects she has been involved in since. The pupils found out the GCSEs and A-Levels which could pave the way into University and onto a career in engineering.

Types of Engineering

The pupils found out how the different areas they could progress into in engineering. These include:

• Mechanical engineering
• Civil engineering
• Electrical engineering
• Environmental engineering
• Chemical engineering
• Computer engineering

Kirsten is currently working towards a career in environmental engineering which involves developing renewable energy sources to ensure our sustainable living in the future; an area which will only become more in demand as we continue to deplete our non-renewable energy resources. As part of this career, Kirsten has been involved in several projects including a trip to travelling to Canada and India for engineering projects. Kirsten explained how careers in engineering are also becoming much more accessible to females, where many financial grants and opportunities are available to encourage females to take up careers in engineering.

Advice from Kirsten

If pupils want to pursue a career in engineering through University, she suggests you should aim for strong grades in:

• GCSE science and maths
• A-level physics
• A-level maths
• Any other sciences at A-level.

You can also find apprenticeships for some areas in engineering. If any pupils are interested in progressing into careers in engineering, ask any teacher or careers staff in school or visit different university websites to find out what they require to apply for a degree in engineering.

Careers in Nursing

 In June, Hayley Shepherd, a 23 year old qualified Children’s Nurse and Health Visitor, came into the school to share her advice and experience with pupils who were interested in this career path. Students from years 8-11 attended to listen to the careers guidance Hayley had to offer, of the qualifications she had, her day-to-day life as a health visitor and knowledge on the university process, including financial help.

The advice from Hayley to go on to be a Children’s Nurse is to aim for:

• Strong Science GCSEs
• Grade C in GCSE Maths and English
• A-levels in Science/Health Care
• BTEC level 3 in Science

Within the application for university to study Nursing, Hayley explained that it can be quite competitive to get in, this is because the NHS pays for the tuition fees for Nursing degrees, therefore there are lots of applicants. Due to this, Hayley stressed do not be disheartened if you do not get accepted by a university first time round; instead, gain some experience in a health care and apply again the next year.

Thank you to Hayley Shepherd for visiting The Hawthorne’s, and well done to the pupils who attended the careers session.