The annual celebration, in partnership with The Careers and Enterprise Company and the Hull and East Yorkshire Careers Hub, is a showcase of student perspectives, ideas and learning. The latest event, held at Craven Park on March 11, was the culmination of six months’ work, involving four virtual and three face-to-face careers education, information, advice and guidance sessions.

Among the topics explored this year were barriers to careers exploration and knowledge gaps in careers learning. In a presentation addressing the importance of ‘adulting’, Withernsea’s ambassadors highlighted the need to learn more about taxes, bills, pensions and finance as part of their preparation for the world of work. They also devised their own hybrid work experience plan to gain access to hard-to-reach industries.

The Student Voice programme was first commissioned in the 2022/23 academic year with the aim of capturing student views to help refine careers provision and improve communication between schools and employers. Withernsea High School’s careers ambassadors have been involved from the start - helping to lead the way for the shaping of careers guidance in schools across the region.

Careers leader Viki Foster said: “It has been an absolute pleasure to work with Darcy and Evelyn over the course of this year’s Student Voice project. Hearing their thoughts and ideas is so valuable and plays a big part in shaping the careers programme in our school and at schools across the region. They've already given us lots of ideas to think about.

“The journey that they have been on through this project has been immense - from the first session, where they were incredibly nervous, to the last session where they stood up and confidently presented an amazing idea to a room full of students, schools, employers, council leaders and parents. It has been so rewarding to see their confidence grow. I hope the skills they have learnt on this project will continue to develop during their own career journeys.”

A spokeswoman for the Hull and East Yorkshire Careers Hub added: “The students confidently shared their experiences, insights and aspirations for the future. Their voices weren’t just heard - they were celebrated. A huge congratulations to all the students who actively participated and received well-deserved acknowledgement for their commitment. Their engagement is shaping the future of careers education and we couldn’t be prouder. Together, we are empowering young minds for brighter futures.”

Darcy and Evelyn also had a chance to present their ideas and findings to local MP Graham Stuart during his recent visit to the school. Mr Stuart was keen to hear their thoughts on work experience and has pledged to work with local employers to increase provision.

As part of the school’s student-led Board for Change, the careers ambassadors are among a group of students who take an active role in the life of the school, working collectively to help make significant changes for the benefit of their peers.

ABOVE: Careers ambassadors Darcy L and Evelyn W presented their thoughts on careers provision to peers and professionals at careers hub student voice event.