Becoming a School Valued Partner with Careers Wales

During National Careers Week, it's not hard to recall the daunting feeling of leaving school and making choices around future careers. The transition from the familiar routines of school to the uncertainty of the 'world of work' can be overwhelming for many young people. That's why I believe in providing students and school leavers with the guidance and support they need to navigate their career paths.?

Partnering with organisations like Careers Wales has allowed me to contribute to this crucial mission. This week, I'm thrilled to share that CCHA has been recognised as a Valued Partner to two schools in Cardiff: Corpus Christi High School and Willows High School. Through our collaboration with Careers Wales, we can expand our reach and offer a range of services and activities to even more young individuals as they embark on their career journeys.?

One way we support students is through workshops on interview techniques. These sessions equip them with the necessary skills to excel in job interviews, from making a memorable first impression to confidently answering tough questions. Our mock interviews provide valuable practice in a safe and supportive environment, helping students build confidence and refine their communication skills.?

But our involvement continues beyond there. We also go to the schools to give career talks to students, giving them an insight into the types of job opportunities available at housing associations like CCHA.??

Young people need to be offered an opportunity to understand that there are many different routes to success, and not everyone's journey involves traditional academic routes. I often discuss the significance of finding your strengths and passions, highlighting sectors like social housing as inclusive environments where individuals can thrive and contribute meaningfully.?

Being part of initiatives like the School Valued Partner program fills me with purpose. Knowing that we're making a tangible difference in the lives of young people by providing them with the tools and knowledge they need to shape their futures is incredibly rewarding. As I look back on my journey, I'm grateful for the guidance I received. I'm committed to paying it forward by empowering the next generation to pursue their dreams with confidence and determination.?

Remember when you were in school and how terrifying and overwhelming the prospect of leaving school was? Giving pupils and school leavers information about career options is vital to finding the right path in life. It also helps build skills and confidence to serve them well in their education and future employment.??

"By partnering with Careers Wales, we can offer various services and activities to even more young people and support them as they pursue their career dreams."?

This week, we were delighted to be named a?Valued Partner?to two schools in Cardiff, Corpus Christi High School and Willows High School, through our partnership with Careers Wales.?

The School Valued Partner initiative recognises employers who support individual schools through Careers Wales employer engagement activities. Some of the services and activities we provide to both schools through our role are:?

• Interview techniques workshops: These workshops equip pupils and school leavers with the skills and knowledge to ace interviews, learn how to make a good impression, and respond to common questions.?
• Mock interviews: These mock interviews are an excellent way to prepare pupils for future careers. They help them practice their communication skills, boost their confidence, and get feedback. Exposing pupils to different types of questions and scenarios that they might face in actual interviews while practising in a safe but professional setting.?
• Career talks: These presentations give pupils and school leavers a glimpse into the world of work, the skills and qualifications needed, and the career opportunities available. Not everyone will necessarily go to university, and it is good to let pupils know how to make the most of their strengths and passions. The social housing sector is an excellent example of where everyone can find something for themselves. When you join housing, you know you are part of something bigger!?

Adrian Cole, Business Engagement Adviser at Careers Wales, said:?

"The Cardiff Community Housing Association team is always keen to engage with career activities in high schools. They get involved in a variety of sessions with different year groups such as career talks, career carousels, subject-specific sessions, career fairs and mock interviews. The team are always very engaging and supportive with pupils; ensuring pupils are aware of the career options available in their sector, what skills are needed and the variety of routes."???

We are proud of this partnership and look forward to working with the schools and Careers Wales.?

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