Over 150 students from King James I Academy have spent the day at Aycliffe Business Park where they visited businesses from a number of different sectors. Students, who are all in Year 9 and about to select their subject options, were able to tour the premises of each organisation and learn about their products and services from knowledgeable company representatives.

Students toured eight different businesses and training providers including Stiller Storage and Distribution, Husqvarna, which manufactures and ships forest and gardening tools worldwide, commercial printing company, Newton Press, and NC Group, which provides bespoke workforce development training. Students also visited BTS Fabrications, South West Durham Training, EBAC, which manufactures dehumidifiers and washing machines, and Optimum Skills.

King James organises an extensive programme of career focused activities including one-to-one guidance with the Academy’s resident Careers Adviser, practitioner visits in lessons, career-based assemblies, workshops and taster sessions at local colleges and universities, and the annual Careers Fair, which is attended each year by a growing number of local businesses and national organisations, colleges and universities. Students also take part in work experience in Years 10 and 12.

Lucy Mulryan, Assistant Headteacher and Careers Lead at the Academy said, “Our students are introduced to the concept of career planning in Year 7, and career-based lessons and activities are embedded into our curriculum. As students progress through the year groups, they are able to identify their personal strengths and ambitions, and understand the opportunities that are available to them. We then help them to establish the most suitable pathway to achieving their goals. The trip to Aycliffe Business Park was an excellent opportunity, with students able to tour buildings and factories that are usually closed to visitors. We would like to thank all of the businesses that took part.”