Collage showing a group of students talking to a woman at an exhibition stand, the Hub with students circulating and talking to people at the stands and MC Alistair holding a microphone

Students explore exciting futures

Published: 16th March 2022

Published by City College Southampton

During National Careers Week, hundreds of our students and apprentices met with a variety of employers and universities to help support them with their next steps. Our annual Careers and Progression Event also included a range of talks, workshops and an inspirational keynote speech from former student MC Alistair of the Artful Dodger.

Our students were able to explore numerous exciting opportunities that their courses can take them, including university, apprenticeships and rewarding careers.

In the keynote speech, MC Alistair, who previously studied at City College in the ‘90s, talked about the importance of resilience, learning that you need to ride out some lows in order to reach the high points, as well as the importance of dedication and being passionate about your career goals.

Charlie Randerson, a Level 2 Marine Technologies student, said: "The event was great; it was very informative as there were lots of options about what to do after college and the different steps I could take. I spoke to Oyster who gave us lots of information about what they do and the job roles and apprenticeships they offer."

Level 3 Games Design student Dominic Leyshon added: "I spoke with Falmouth University at the event which was good as I have applied there and had a question about my interview that is coming up. The student finance workshop was also very helpful for me as it provided clear and helpful advice on how to apply."

Sarah Birbeck, Careers and Work Experience Team Leader at City College, said: "Our Careers and Progression Event really helps to support our students with their next steps, it gives them the opportunity to talk directly with their chosen universities and to also open their eyes to the wider career opportunities available within industries that they may not have originally considered."

She added: "It was wonderful to see so many students engaging face-to-face with employers and to hear that a couple of beauty students secured valuable work placements after a proactive approach with one exhibitor, Beauty by AJA.

"We are very grateful for all of the employers and universities for taking the time to support our annual event."

Employers and universities at the event included Falmouth University, University of Southampton, Arts University Bournemouth, University of Bournemouth, Solent University, University of Portsmouth, University of Chichester, University of Winchester, K2 Utilities, Rhinefield House Hotel, Novotel Southampton, Gascon Ltd, Haringtons Hairdressing, Morgan Sindall, Oyster Yachts, the National Careers Services and the Army.

Following the event, Level 3 Production Arts students benefited from a live workshop experience where they worked with MC Alistair and another former City College student, George Cousins of GCDJ UK, to create an immersive small-scale festival experience for fellow students. Current students Dylan Reynolds (who next year is progressing to Rose Bruford Drama School to study Audio Production) operated the sound desk and Aaron Parker (who is progressing to Mountview Drama School to specialise in Lighting) operated the lighting desk.

MC Alistair spoke with them about the importance of their roles within the entertainment industry highlighting that “without people behind the scenes in the industry, especially those operating the sound and lighting desks it wouldn’t be possible to tour or perform at festivals.”