More than 200 students at The Duston School, Northampton were able to tap into the advice of businesspeople when the Silverstone Park Schools Programme, which focuses on career types and pathways, visited their classrooms.

Year 9 students experienced a number of industry workshops with leading technology companies, engaged in Q&A sessions with events, marketing and media specialists, and were taught tips for preparing for a job interview.

The companies to volunteer their time included Lunaz (electric vehicles), Multiview Media (broadcasting and telecommunications), PUNCH Flybrid (cleantech energy), TD Group (recruitment), CMC Media (PR and journalism) and Silverstone Park (industrial development and business marketing).

Duston’s Careers Lead Diane Fisher commented: “I feel incredibly privileged to be part of the Silverstone Park Schools Programme. Witnessing over 200 of our Year 9 students engage in these industry workshops and interact with passionate businesspeople from leading technology companies has been an enriching experience for all.

“The exposure to various career types and pathways, along with valuable insights shared during the Q&A sessions and job interview tips, has undoubtedly broadened our students’ horizons and ignited their passion for future career opportunities.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the volunteers and Silverstone Park for dedicating their time and expertise to inspire and guide our young minds towards a brighter and more promising future.

“Together, we are opening doors and paving the way for their future success in various career pathways.

“It’s a remarkable partnership that empowers young minds and nurtures their aspirations.”

This was the first time The Duston School had partnered with the Silverstone Park Schools Programme which, since its launch in 2018, has predominantly worked with Kingsthorpe College in Northampton, Sponne School in Towcester and The Buckingham School.

Thousands of young people have benefited from the programme’s inspirational school activity days, plus arranged tours of technology businesses at Silverstone Park.

Each businessperson who participates volunteers their time to provide the students with careers advice.

The programme is managed for Silverstone Park by Ahead Partnership.

Silverstone Park Asset Manager Ruth Williams said: “Responding to local employers’ concerns about the skills gap was one of the key reasons for launching the Silverstone Park Schools Programme which has now benefited more than 4,000 students since its launch.

“We are delighted with the interaction that we have seen between the programme’s volunteers and students throughout the 2022-23 academic year.

“The number of people employed by companies at Silverstone Park has almost doubled over the last decade to around 1,500 and this programme, which really opens youngsters’ eyes to what is out there in terms of future careers, acts as a potential skills pipeline for those companies and many others across the Silverstone Technology Cluster region.”