Supporting Careers at The Westwood Academy

Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce Training firmly believes that its partnerships with education are key to ensuring young people leave school with a good understanding of the world of work. One shining example is the collaboration with The Westwood Academy in Coventry. Over the past 7 years, Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce Training has worked alongside the school to raise young people’s awareness about career paths and employment opportunities to prepare them for the next stage of their journey. It is a testament now that The Westwood Academy has been recognised for its ‘outstanding’ career work, achieving the national Quality in Careers Standard and Gold Award awarded by Ixion (Part of the Shaw Trust Group). This national accreditation demonstrates the importance that the school places on career education and reflects its commitment to making sure young people are well-prepared for the workplace. 

Through its partnership with organisations such as Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce Training, The Westwood Academy create a range of opportunities for young people to think about the world of work. This includes an annual career fair to inform students from Year 7 upwards about apprenticeship opportunities and career pathways as well as a "Pop-up Shop" to help Key Stage 4 students to make informed decisions about their futures.  

By joining forces with Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce Training, The Westwood Academy enable young people to make the right connections to employers, apprenticeships, and further learning. Through strong collaboration with local businesses, students have the opportunity to develop employability skills and understand the local jobs market.

Sally Hodge, Head of Careers at The Westwood Academy, commented “Over the last three years, our pupils have benefited enormously from taster sessions in children’s care and hairdressing at Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce Training. They have participated in practical workshops and activities to give them a true feel for what apprenticeships in these sectors might entail. Our partnership with Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce Training adds real value to the work we do to prepare young people for the future.”