Woodham Academy students were paired up with local employers to take part in the school’s annual Apprenticeship Awareness Challenge. The competition forms part of Woodham Academy’s extensive programme of careers guidance and support.

Teams from every tutor group in Year 9 worked with a partner organisation, including 3M, Lucite, South West Durham Training, Pioneering Care Partnership and Carnell. Following site visits during the first Specialist Day, the teams developed presentations and collages about their partner organisations and the apprenticeships they offer. Representatives from the partner organisations joined staff, parents and friends at Woodham Academy for the final presentations followed by a Q&A with each team. School governors served as judges and the winning team from each tutor group was chosen to go through to the final, and continued to develop their presentations and collages.

David Walker, head of careers, said: “The presentations and collages were all of a very high quality. The event has given students an opportunity to develop their presentation skills and confidence. We are committed to helping students discover all the career paths open to them. This challenge improved their awareness of the many opportunities that apprenticeships offer.” All finalists received a box of chocolates and each winning team member was awarded a trophy, these were given for the best overall presentation and collage.