On Tuesday, February 18th, 2025, students in years 7 and 8 were given the opportunity to take part in the BBC Bitesize Career Tour, a dynamic and engaging event designed to help young learners explore various career paths and understand the importance of education and skills in shaping their futures. The event provided a unique chance for students to hear first hand from professionals about their career journeys, challenges, and achievements.
The panel featured three remarkable speakers, each bringing a wealth of experience from different sectors:
- Lee Smith, Community Learning Manager from the Newcastle United Foundation, shared his inspiring journey within the world of sports and community work. He spoke about how his school days laid the foundation for his current role, highlighting the importance of determination, kindness and passion in pursuing a career.
- Katy Macdonald, Senior Content Producer from BBC Children’s, offered insights into the media industry, explaining how her background in journalism and media led her to work alongside some of the most beloved children’s programming. She stressed the value of creativity, collaboration, and staying curious throughout one’s career.
- Valentin Kokorin, Net Zero project Lead from the NHS Foundation Trust, discussed his path into healthcare, particularly focusing on the diverse range of roles within the NHS. He spoke about the skills he developed in school that directly contributed to his success, firstly in I.T and then into engineering. He emphasised the significance of helping others and continually learning.
Throughout the event, students were not only able to hear from the panelists but were also encouraged to ask questions directly (through means of a mic’d up rugby ball!). This interactive aspect allowed them to gain deeper insights into the speakers’ experiences and gave them the opportunity to inquire about topics such as education, career challenges, and the skills needed for success.
The event was expertly hosted by James Threlfall, a highly experienced BBC presenter known for his engaging style. He kept the students captivated throughout the day with his approachable demeanor and insightful questions. His ability to relate to the students and encourage them to think about their own futures made the event not only informative but also highly enjoyable.
The BBC Bitesize Career Tour was a fantastic opportunity for students to start thinking about the diverse career options available to them, and how their time in school can shape the professional lives they aspire to lead. The event left everyone inspired, with students walking away motivated to explore the world of possibilities that lie ahead of them.
