We recently spoke to Archie, a Year 10 pupil who completed his career coaching sessions with Atsushi, Senior Quantitative Developer at Citadel, and plans to become a teacher. Archie shared with us how his experience of the programme has helped him to cope with uncertainty and stress at this high stakes time in his life.
“Before the programme, there was so much uncertainty and stress about what's going to happen next, after GCSEs. I was thinking, “am I going to pass and go somewhere nice or am I going to fail and then have to do it all over again?”. There was just so much uncertainty about it.
I know a lot more about careers now and also about what qualifications are required for them. My top choice career is to become an EFL teacher, which involves teaching English to students who have come over here from other countries.
I think teaching Japanese students would be a particularly interesting experience because I know Japanese is a very different language as they write with symbols and their language doesn't sound at all like ours. Also I love Japan, and it's been my passion for as long as I can remember now.
“I know a lot more about careers now and also about what qualifications are required for them.”
My second option is to become a history teacher because I really like history. These definitely are my preferred options.
Talking to the sector role model was helpful because he just so happened to be Japanese himself, so he has given me a lot of advice. He also recommended the JET Programme, which is an exchange programme where you can go abroad, in particular to Japan.
The sessions with my coach were also helpful as we looked at the requirements and the qualifications I would need. There's T levels and apprenticeships, vocational courses and the Teach First programme which I just learned about today. One thing that did surprise me is that GCSEs or university degrees aren't everything. It's not not necessarily required for the type of job I like.
“The people who supported us on this programme are there to reassure you and give you a lot of advice.”
I think it’s good that there's the Year 11 provision, because I have exams next year and thoughts about my future are still playing on my mind. It sounds like the support in Year 11 can help me find a backup plan and help me out on the results day.
I think this is a good programme. The people who supported us on this programme are there to reassure you and give you a lot of advice. Also, the surveys that you take help you see what career options you'd like to do, what could be good for you, as well as planning education pathways after post 16.”
The Future Frontiers coaching programme is a unique way to develop your staff whilst also making a positive impact in your local community. Get in touch with our team today to find out how your business could benefit from partnering with us.