Next steps for school leavers

Moving on is being held at Harrow Lodge Sports centre, Hornchurch on Tuesday 3 October from 10am – 7pm.

Councillor Robert Benham, Cabinet member for Children and Learning, said:

“This is a great opportunity for pupils to talk with colleges, sixth forms, training providers, employers and universities, where they can seek advice for their next steps. The evening will also showcase available apprenticeship schemes; there will also be a chance to talk to current apprentices about their experiences.”

Luke Speller, previous attendee at ‘Moving On’ – Now a Havering Council Community Engagement Officer, said:

“When I visited the Moving On event it gave me an idea what my options were once I finished school. I found providers on the day who helped me understand why an apprenticeship scheme would benefit me as I prefer to actively learn rather than sit in a classroom. It was also important to me that I earned a wage whilst learning, I knew this would be a real incentive to push myself to achieve my qualifications.”

This year the Council has extended the exhibition to support post-18 options too for Havering residents, exhibitors include:

London South Bank University Careers in the NHS, Greenwich University, Kingston University, Big Creative Education, National College Creative Industries, City, University of London, Middlesex University, The London School of Economics and Political Science, University College London (UCL) and the University of East London (UEL)

Moving On is held as the Government requires all young people (between the ages of 16-18) to remain in some form of education, training, apprenticeship or volunteering for up to 20 hours a week. The range of organisations at the event help to show pupils the options open to them post-16 and support them in making informed decisions about their futures. The event also supports young people up to 25 years of age with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

This event will provide you with information about education, employment and training options available to 16 years old and beyond.

Previous Moving On attendee Luke Speller, How this event helped him:

"When I visited the Moving On event it gave me ideas on what was available out there, and what my options were once I finished school.  I found providers on the day who helped me understand why an apprenticeship scheme would benefit me, as I prefer to actively learn than sit in a classroom.  It was also important to me that I earnt a wage whilst learning as I knew this would be a real incentive to push myself to achieve my qualifications.

"Before attending Moving On, I was stuck in Limbo and due to start a plumbing course at Havering College in the September.  However I always knew I wanted an apprenticeship, but that was as an electrician or gas engineer and wasn’t aware of all the options available.  By attending the Moving on event I hoped to find an option that would feel more of a natural career path.

"I decided on an apprenticeship, as I aimed to find a path where I could develop my skill set. I was lucky enough to be selected to work for the London Borough of Redbridge, and undertake the Chartered institute of Housing and NVQ qualifications at Hackney Community College. There were approximately eight applicants who I was competing against for the role. 

"During my apprenticeship I achieved a level 2&3 NVQ in Housing Maintenance and Practice and a CiH Level 2&3 in Housing Management.

"Once I finished my apprenticeship I applied for a role at Havering Council, as a Community Engagement Officer and was successful in my application. I am now responsible for monitoring Job Clubs and Training contracts as well as budget spend and organising events across the borough. The Moving on event helped me fully understand my career choices.

I am looking to undertake my CIH Level 4&5 qualifications once I turn 21."