All first and second year students at Ashton Sixth Form College attended Imagine Your Future Day 2021 on Monday. 

The day was organised by the college's Guidance Team and ensured all students had access to a range of careers-related opportunities. The event took place during the lockdown, and due to remote learning, students were able to join their calls from home using Microsoft Teams. 

Over 1,000 first year students had the chance to hear from Nottingham University to discuss how best to research university options and degrees. They attended an apprenticeship session with Salford University's apprenticeship team, looking at how best to find apprenticeships. Senior Tutors also led a session on finding experience during a pandemic. This year has been like no other, but Ashton still recognises the importance of students being able to meet employers, attend work placements and gain careers-related experience. Senior Tutors shared a range of routes available to them currently in finding experience, whether virtual or in person, and how to stand out in the crowd. 

In second year, students at Ashton identify whether they are choosing to take a university/UCAS route, or an employability route. This decision can change throughout their college journey, but many make this decision early on. Senior Tutors work with them to help focus their skills and time towards their chosen interests and aspirations.

Second year employability students met virtually with a number of speakers, including Alyshia from BT, who delivered an apprentice's perspective. Alyshia share her story and her advice for those wanting to take up an apprenticeship after college was invaluable. They also heard from a representative at QA Apprenticeships who shared an apprenticeship provider's perspective. This session was extremely interesting and allowed students to hear what apprenticeship providers are looking for in an apprentice and helped them understand the application processes. Finally, employability students heard from a speaker at the Hut Group, a company that works with top global brands. This session explored an employers perspective, ideal for those wanting to go straight in to employment after college.

Second year 'UCAS' students attended a range of university-related sessions. Any students wanting to go to university have already completed their personal statements and submitted their UCAS applications. As a result, their sessions focused on university life, including 'Making the most of your university experience' with a student panel from Salford University. There were also two sessions based on alternatives to university including 'Gap Years & Employment' led by YipiYap and 'Apprenticeships' led by Matt from GMLPN.

The event was a fantastic opportunity for students and was key for both year groups who are at differing stages of their college journey.