Welcome to the latest edition of Beyond. I am delighted to share with you some recent careers activities, events and opportunities which our students have received.
These opportunities help our students to form decisions about which pathways they may take when they leave LHA.
Next time your receive a broadcast asking for help with events please consider supporting us if you can. We hold numerous events during the year such as mock interviews, careers fair and speed networking events. Dates for the next academic year are posted on the careers area of the school website and Mr Doyle usually sends a broadcast ahead of time asking for volunteers. I hope you can help.
Mrs Tucker
Senior Assistant Vice Principal Careers Leader
Email: n.tucker@lostockhallacademy.org
Contents
> Take your child to work day
> BAE Systems Education AI Roadshow
> Annual Careers Fair
> BBC Bitesize Careers Visit at LHA
> Cyber first Mega Career Event
> Year 11 BAE Visit
> Health & Social Care
> Year 11 Leyland Trucks Visit
> Creative Careers Event at UCLan
> RAF Coningsby Visit
> Lancaster University Medical School
> Exploring FuturesNational Careers Week
> NHS Careers Event
> Art Alumni Inspire Students
BAe systems eduCAtion AI RoAdshow
On Thursday, 8th May, our Year 8 students had the fantastic opportunity to take part in the BAE Systems STEM Roadshow, an exciting event designed to showcase careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
With support from Education Ambassadors from BAE Systems, the RAF, and the Royal Navy, the Roadshow provided students with valuable insights into various industries. They explored interactive demonstrations, engaged with professionals, and learned about cutting-edge technology shaping the future.
One of the highlights of the day was meeting Fluffy, the robot dog, a fascinating example of robotics in action. The students also had the chance to participate in a unique AI-powered activity, where they helped create a song and music video—a fun and engaging way to explore the possibilities of artificial intelligence in creativity and technology.
We are incredibly grateful to BAE Systems and their partners for delivering such an informative and exciting experience. Events like these inspire students to explore future career paths and deepen their appreciation for STEM subjects.
tAke youR Child to woRk dAy
We extend our thanks to all the parents, relatives, carers and friends who contributed to the success of our recent Take Your Child to Work Day. This event provided students with valuable insights into the working world. Employers and businesses shared positive feedback about the event, understanding the importance of exposing young minds to real-world work experiences.
At LHA, we take careers seriously and always welcome individuals who are passionate about their chosen paths. Whether through school assemblies, workshops, mock interviews, or career talks, we invite you to get in touch and share your expertise.
Here are just a few of our students’ experiences from their day. Thank you once again for your support in showcasing a broad range of employment opportunities!
Chanel and Poppy – Vintage the Village Barber Shop
Chanel and Poppy enjoyed their day working with Chanel’s dad in his barbers shop, ‘Vintage the Village Barber Shop’ in Lostock Hall. They spent the day taking payments via the till, sweeping and general cleaning, providing customers with a QR code for feedback on the service they had and even learnt the skill of barbering. They particularly enjoyed cutting a gentleman’s hair under Chanel’s dad’s supervision! The gentleman was very willing and understanding of their work experience day offering them both excellent feedback!
Cobi’s Workday with Grandpa at MTT UK
Cobi spent the day at MTT UK (Machine Tool Technologies) alongside his Grandpa, gaining insight into the world of precision engineering.
Darsie – Quigley’s Decorators Darsie spent the day helping her uncle, a painter and decorator, with handson tasks. She stripped wallpaper, swept up, hung new wallpaper, and painted skirting boards, doors, and the windowsill. Her uncle was impressed, saying she was better than any apprentice he’s had!
Inspiring young minds today shapes the workforce of tomorrow.
Faith had a busy and insightful day, gaining valuable hands-on experience across multiple departments.
Her day began with a building tour and health & safety talk, setting the foundation for understanding workplace protocols. She then met with Amy, Data Operations Manager, for an overview of the day and introductions to team members.
Next, Faith participated in workflow and resource planning, reviewing Power BI reports and graphs to understand the Data Team’s performance levels. She also joined a 1-2-1 meeting with the Data Team Leader, connecting insights from the earlier planning session.
Mid-morning, she shadowed the Pension’s payroll team, learning how to identify and allocate unallocated payments while picking up new Excel skills. Faith even helped decorate a meeting room for a surprise celebration!
At 11:30, she attended an all-staff update, listening to corporate briefings from the Executive Team. Then, during lunch, Faith took a tour of the County Hall complex, experiencing the main canteen.
The afternoon was packed with data-focused tasks, including note-taking in a technical meeting on the Annual Benefit Statement project and shadowing the Data Team queries meeting, where she helped resolve file issues.
Later, Faith switched gears to assist the ICT team, conducting a stock take and ensuring equipment levels met upcoming needs. She even helped take apart a laptop for repairs, gaining firsthand experience in IT troubleshooting.
To wrap up, Faith completed her workbook and evaluation - and finished the day with a well-earned game of pool.
An engaging and varied experience that provided valuable learning across multiple disciplines!
Harrison – Teddy Towers Nursery
Harrison spent a rewarding work experience day at Teddy Towers Nursery, making a real difference in the children’s activities. He interacted with the children, sharing laughter as they built dens together. Harrison set up equipment for playtime, encouraged creativity through mark-making and a drawing activity, and brought stories to life during circle time. His enthusiasm and care made the day both fun and engaging for everyone involved.
Joe at R Williams Commercial Services
Isaac – Cinch (car sales)
Here’s a snapshot of Isaac immersed in his work experience, shadowing his dad as a software engineer at Cinch. He’s getting hands-on with code writing, gaining valuable insights into the world of tech.
Joe joined his family at work and got a firsthand look at how bustling a workplace can be. It was also the perfect chance for Joe to explore the family business and see if it’s the right fit for him. With his older sister, Jess, already making strides in construction, if Joe decides to follow in her footsteps, they might have to tweak the business name to include ‘and family’ in the logo! A fun and engaging event for everyone involved.
Millie – Whittle-Le-Woods Primary
School
Millie engaging with a pupil during her placement at Whittle-le-Woods Primary School.
Riley’s Work Experience at Avanti Train
Nathaniel - Medical Equipment Supplies and Management Ltd (MESM)
Nathaniel proudly received a certificate recognising his successful completion of courses enabling him to operate equipment. He showcased his skills by using a pallet truck to move and prepare orders for Medical Equipment Supplies.
Riley joined his mum, a customer service assistant at Avanti Train, for a day of work experience. He worked in the shop, interacted with passengers, and even travelled to Euston Station in London. The experience gave Riley valuable insights into customer service and the railway industry.
Take Your Child to Work Day isn’t just a glimpse into a job - it’s an investment in their future. Exposure today sparks ambition for tomorrow.
George & Alfie - VolkerStevin
George and Alfie spent the day learning about the role of the Civil Engineer in society and the type of construction VolkerStevin deliver for society: flood defences and barriers, water treatment facilities, bridge building, ports.
We discussed the history of Civil Engineering going way back to the construction of the pyramids and the importance of creating irrigation channels from the Nile to create habitat for people to live ahead of the big build. Then they learnt about the Victorian Civil Engineers and the building of sewers in London following cholera outbreaks and the big stink. They went on to learn how the Victorian sewers are now been upgraded by a super sewer to manage London’s needs and prevent pollution of the Thames. They then learnt about soft and hard types of flood defences and flood barriers, with an appreciative focus on environmental impact and the considerations we give to protect ecology and create habitats. They learnt about hazards associated with construction to give them an appreciation of how dangerous the industry is. They also learnt about the construction of the New Wear Footbridge in Sunderland. Last but not least, they were given a short walking tour of the new flood defences that VolkerStevin are constructing on behalf of the Environment Agency in Preston along the River Ribble at Broadgate to Miller Park.
They took lots of notes and received some career guidance on 11-15 year olds, plus some guidance on routes to degrees and apprenticeships.
AnnuAl CAReeRs fAiR
We extend our gratitude to all the representatives who participated in our annual careers fair. The event was incredibly well-attended, providing students of all ages with a valuable opportunity to explore a diverse range of career paths and possibilities. Students participated well, asking the relevant questions to a range of providers. Oli in year 7 won the prize for best complete Q&A sheet.
It was a particularly special occasion for Mrs Bradley, as she celebrated the success of her final careers fair before retirement. She was delighted to see such enthusiasm from students and professionals alike, making it a truly memorable event.
Thank you again to everyone who contributed to its success! We are excited to announce that the next careers fair will be held on 13th November 2025. If you are interested in taking part and sharing your knowledge, please get in touch with Miss Allan vie email l.allan@lostockhallacademy.org
BBC Bitesize CAReeRs visit
Recently, the BBC Bitesize careers tour visited our school. During the visit I was able to learn lots of information about careers. In particular, I learnt about soft skills and examples of these that are needed for all jobs and in day to day life. I enjoyed listening to the various guests about their jobs and how they got their jobs. They also showed us the BBC Bitesize website and all the useful things that are on there to help us learn more about careers and a podcast you can listen to. Charlie, Yr 10.
The BBC Bitesize Careers talk helped expose me to the greater world of work. I learned what skills employers would be looking for and how to improve those said skills. The team answered serious questions whilst still keeping a fun and positive environment. They guided me into the right direction of how the world of jobs would work and explained greater employment skills. Overall I found it very useful and I enjoyed listening. Chloe, Yr 8.
I thought the BBC Bitesize Careers talk was very informative, I learnt a lot about creative careers and it made me feel better about not knowing what I want to do in the future. Each guest speaker spoke about their own career journey and told us what they enjoy the most and least about their job. Overall I enjoyed the experience and I would like more people to come and speak to us about careers. Coco Yr 9.
I really enjoyed our time learning about the BBC Careers because it taught me that no matter who you are or where you came from you can achieve anything you want. It also taught me if you can’t achieve your goal, you can always get the next best thing, whether that’s you want to be a football player for Manchester United but
instead you are the Chief Executive at the club. Or you want to be a manager at a shop you can achieve assistant manager instead. You can do anything you want as long as you work hard for it. As well as it being inspiring it also made me feel determined, as you only get one shot at life so don’t sit around wasting it. It taught me to get up and do something productive. There is a wide range of open jobs that just suits you so don’t fell stressed about not liking your job. I also liked how some of the BBC crew do their jobs at home or in various places, for example if you want to be an illustrator you can draw from home and stay in bed, so I liked that! Jacob, Yr 7.
The BBC came into school to talk about future careers, the people who were interviewed told us about different kinds of professions and experiences, they spoke about how to get those jobs and their own personal stories. They also talked about soft and hard skills needed for when you get a job and which ones they thought were the most important. But overall, it taught you what jobs and opportunities you can face when you leave high school and I enjoyed listening to them. Matilda, Yr 10.
I enjoyed the BBC Bitesize coming in and talking to us about our options with jobs later. When we think about what we want to be when we are older, most people don’t talk about our options, and it was refreshing to think about what I want to be as a working person. As well as this, they showed us a different and varying variety of jobs that I personally didn’t think were an option to go and pursue. Furthermore, they provided a website that is accessible to everyone to help with future careers. We were informed that we may not find our dream job straight away, as this can sometimes be quite hard to choose, and this is ok. Noah, Yr 8.
CyBeR fiRst megA CAReeR event
Year 8 Students Explore Cyber Careers
Recently, a group of Year 8 girls attended the Cyber First Mega Career Event at Chorley Town Hall, discovering exciting opportunities in cyber security and technology. Through interactive workshops and expert talks, students gained valuable insights into the growing demand for digital skills in the local area. With transport and refreshments provided, the afternoon was both enjoyable and inspiring.
A huge thank you to the organisers for making this a memorable experience!
yeAR 11 BAe visit
A group in interested Year 11 students had the opportunity to visit the Academy for Skills & Knowledge Centre at BAE in Samlesbury. They had the opportunity to learn about all career routes at BAE with interactive demonstrations and a small tour of the facilities.
heAlth & soCiAl CARe
Nicoleen Campbell from Preston College visited school for a talk on careers in the Health & Social Care industry. 20+ Year 11s spent time hearing about future pathways along with practical demonstrations on what is on offer in this sector.
yeAR 11 leylAnd tRuCks visit
A group of Year 11 Engineering students had the exciting opportunity to visit Leyland Trucks, one of our region’s largest employers, to explore apprenticeships and career pathways in the automotive industry.
Accompanied by Mr Goodwin, Mr Hardman, and Mr Dunn, the students spent the morning learning about the various roles available at Leyland Trucks and gaining valuable insights into future employment opportunities. The visit sparked keen interest among the students, with many returning
to school inspired by the possibilities of a career in engineering and manufacturing.
We would like to extend our thanks to Leyland Trucks for welcoming our students and providing such a valuable experience. Their support in showcasing career opportunities is greatly appreciated!
CReAtive CAReeRs event At uClAn
Creative Careers Event at UCLan
Creative Y9 students were invited to attend a creative careers event at UCLan on Tuesday 21st January. Students were introduced to a panel of professionals from the acting, media and marketing world to animation and music production.
The star of the show has to be animation lecturer Sarah Ann Kennedy, also the voice of Peppa Pigs, Mrs Rabbit and we learned how her career has evolved over time.
organically and help with networking. Actor Nathan Wood and DJ / host, Mark Walsh, gave us different insights into further education routes and how to persevere with your passion and how job satisfaction and enjoyment leads to a fulfilling career.
Creative Y9 students were invited to attend a creative careers event at UCLan. Students were introduced to a panel of professionals from the acting, media and marketing world to animation and music production. The star of the show has to be animation lecturer Sarah Ann Kennedy, also the voice of Peppa Pig’s, Mrs Rabbit, and we learned how her career has evolved over time. Eleanor Ghebache explained how marketing and media play a key role in creative careers whilst DJ Jonny Jay gave us insight in how self promotion and self employment are a way of working organically and help with networking.
We hope that our students enjoyed and have the confidence and knowledge that a creative path is an exciting and fulfilling pathway.
Eleanor Ghebache explained how marketing and media play a key role in creative careers whilst DJ Jonny Jay gave us insight in how self promotion and self employment are a way of working
Actor Nathan Wood and DJ / host, Mark Walsh, gave us different insights into further education routes and how to persevere with your passion and how job satisfaction and enjoyment leads to a fulfilling career. We hope that our students enjoyed and have the confidence and knowledge that a creative path is an exciting and fulfilling pathway. One in thirteen jobs in the UK are in the creative industries. Find out more here https://discovercreative.careers/
One in thirteen jobs in the UK are in the creative industries. To find out more visit Discover Creative Careers
RAf ConingsBy visit
Recently, I was lucky enough to visit RAF Coningsby. I’m an air cadet and have an interest in aviation, so this was a perfect opportunity to learn more about jobs on an airbase. There are plenty of jobs that we saw in action, from aviators, to engineers, to even caterers.
For the visit itself, it was an early start for us as we were told to arrive at 0550 hours at the squadron HQ. Once we did, we boarded the coach that took us down to the base in Lincolnshire. Once we arrived, we were expected to show our Cadet ID’s to be allowed onto the airbase. After everyone had been cleared to go on to the base the coach drove to an FOD zone (an FOD zone is also known as a foreign object debris/damage zone is where the runway is for the planes and other aircraft). Once we entered the FOD zone we were asked to keep all loose items in our pockets or in a secure area because
the air intakes on the aircraft might suck them in and blow up the engines. While in the FOD zone we witnessed multiple Typhoons (fighter jets) take off. The noise was quite astounding and seemed to roll about the area, and it sounded like thunder. After we had all exited the coach we split into two groups. One was to view the Typhoon hangar; the other group was to go and
see all the World War 2 aircraft. All the aircraft in the second hangar had served in the war and were all in airworthy condition. All the planes in the World War 2 hangar have served in films such as ‘Memphis Belle’ and other media. When we entered that hangar, at the back of it, we could see a ginormous black Lancaster bomber. My first impression of it was of a giant crow spreading its wings over the other planes. It is one of only two Lancaster Bombers in the world that are still airworthy, the other one being in Canada. Its name is Leader, and it served in the bombing of Italy. Its logo is of a kangaroo, and next to that are symbols representing bombs, but there are a few ice creams mixed in to represent its history. So, if you see a Lancaster bomber flying anywhere over Europe, it’s the one that resides in Coningsby Airbase. Among the other the aircraft in that hangar, there were Spitfires, Hurricanes, Mosquitoes, and few uncommon ones that are not as famous.
At lunchtime we got to eat in the junior ranks mess (JRM) along with some of the people who are learning to fly the planes. For lunch we had a choice of pasta, roasted chicken, or smoked salmon. The lunch was expertly prepared, testament to the chef’s hard work. They also had roasted potatoes that were super crispy and very tasty. It must be quite a feat to keep hungry personnel fed on an RAF base!
After lunch, we went to visit the Typhoon hangars. Our group was divided in half, one half to go and examine the aircraft from all angles, while the other got to sit in the cockpit. Photos were forbidden, so unfortunately, the only ones
I managed to procure were the ones that were taken of me while I was sitting in the cockpit.
It was so unbelievably loud in that hangar, with all the cars coming in and out, and the constant noise of the machinery that was refuelling the aircraft. There were also multiple engineers doing maintenance on some of the other aircraft. Each
of the aircraft had two names on them, a name for each of the pilots that flew them. When you look up into the sky, and you see the pilots flying the aircraft they look unbelievably small. But when you see them up close, they really are quite huge. They are piloted by the on board computers, but a pilot must use the controls (throttle and stick interface) to guide the cockpit computers. We had to use secured steel ladders to climb up to the cockpits and even then, it was still a good 3 metres off the ground.
When we initially entered the hangar, we were greeted by 2 pilots. They gave us the opportunity to see the aircraft from all angles and let us sit in the cockpit. The pilot that led my group was Tom Burke, and he answered questions about being in and flying with the RAF while giving my group a look around. When our group was done, we were escorted to the gift shop to have an opportunity to purchase something before we rendezvoused back at the coach. We all said goodbye to and thanked the personnel who showed us around and were off once again. For any of you reading this, I highly recommend visiting the airbase if you get the chance, it’s a pleasure to visit it.
by Nathan, Year 9
lAnCAsteR univeRsity mediCAl sChool
Personal development students in Yr 8-10 received CPR and AED training from student doctors from Lancaster University Medical School, through their re-start a heart programme. As well as learning the theory about how to re-start a heart, they had the opportunity to practice on realistic manikins with expert tuition from the student doctors. They also learnt of the location of the nearest AED defibrillators in Lostock Hall and in the Preston area, in case they are ever needed. Students enjoyed the experience and agreed that it was a very worthwhile skill to have. They also has a session on getting into medicine. Thank you to the student doctors from Lancaster University Medical School and their Clinical Educator who accompanied and supported them.
exploRing futuRes - nAtionAl CAReeRs week
Throughout National Careers Week, we encouraged students to reflect on their future careers, exploring opportunities beyond school and where they envision themselves in the years ahead. To support this journey, we shared a range of career pathways through the student bulletin and social media. Parents and carers can also find up-to-date information and resources to help guide their child’s next steps at https://nationalcareersweek.com/ and download the guides below.
industry. We are grateful to Dave for taking the time to come and inspire our students.
Two of our Year 10 students recently attended an NHS careers event, where they explored a variety of healthcare professions. They enjoyed engaging with NHS professionals, watching VR demonstrations, and taking part in an interactive session with the Theatres Department—learning how to use medical instruments and intubate a patient.
The students also attended two seminars, including one led by a Pathology student, which provided fascinating insights into medical studies and career paths. Overall, it was a valuable experience that deepened their understanding of NHS opportunities and sparked further interest in healthcare careers.
COMMITMENT
Alumni Inspire Current Students with Art Journey
Alumni InspiRe students with ARt JouRney
February 12th, we had the pleasure of welcoming back two of our past students, who now thriving in their further education in art. These talented alumni shared their experiences and insights from their GCSE art studies and their current college courses.
Thanks to Izzy and Efini! hope to see you again soon and look forward following your artistic career journeys.
We had the pleasure of welcoming back two of our past students, who are now thriving in their further education in art. These talented alumni shared their experiences and insights from their GCSE art studies and their current college courses. Thanks to Izzy and Efini! We hope to see you again soon and look forward to following your artistic career journeys.
