When we arrived at the University of Hertfordshire, we were greeted by University Ambassadors who study a range of subjects from Engineering, Computer Science to Fashion. We started off with a seminar on the different routes to apprenticeships. Some of these apprenticeships included working for the Metropolitan police (MET) at a level 7 apprenticeship which could earn you £30K/annum all the way to working as a chef with a level 2 apprenticeship which could earn you £12K/annum. Next we found ourselves in a careers workshop delivered by career coaches. We learnt that jobs need applicable skills, we put this to the test by getting into groups of 3/4 we were then given spaghetti and marshmallows to try and build the tallest tower without it falling over. We used many shapes to try and create the most stable structures, they were then measured and ranked in height order.

After this we had a talk about the many career opportunities that one could pursue whilst studying at University and how having a job could benefit you massively and improve the skills needed. We looked at how career services worked, they can help with CVs and cover letters exploring different career options available to students. You can also have mock interviews with them. There are lots of different part time job opportunities at the university, such as becoming a student career coach. For lunch we got to go to their canteen called The Forum. There was a restaurant, a premier, subway, a coffee place and much more. There was a vast seating area where you can have lunch whilst you study or just socialise with your friends.

After lunch, we received a seminar on the benefits of going to University and what it would be like learning there. The lecturer explained to us how the University provides a wide range of opportunities across many courses provided by the university. There are many clubs and social groups for students to join at the university, which allow students to further improve their employable skills. Along with these clubs, many housing arrangements are available such as studio rooms, en-suite rooms and shared rooms. University life is vastly different to primary and secondary school life; no longer being jam packed with lessons and instead having many free periods for students to enjoy, socialise, study and work.

The final event of the day was the University of Hertfordshire- College Lane Campus tour. We were shown the entire campus. We first visited a housing block and saw what the living spaces looked like. Next we were shown around the various facilities the University had. We had the chance to see several flight simulators that the engineering department uses. We saw the University’s formula one car that students designed and created. We were told how students from all faculties are involved in this and have the chance to go abroad to race in various races. Following on we were given the chance to visit the student support areas such as the student union and the careers support team. The tour was definitely the best bit of the day, getting to see so many different facilities at the University and seeing students going about their normal day.

Jack F and Dean H- Year 10