Recently, students studying A-level Economics, Business and Accounting, and T-level Business and Accounting, attended an inspiring guest lecture delivered by Sarah Thomas and Isla Chapman-Jones from St James’s Place.
Sarah, Head of Early Careers Programmes, opened the session by talking to the students about St James’s Place’s history and structure and how they have performed in the past year.
Sarah also offered an invaluable insight into the extensive range of level 3-7 apprenticeship programmes that St James’s Place offer. She explained how their apprenticeships work and potential progression opportunities, and other roles that are available to young people including summer internships and graduate programmes.
The students also heard from Isla, who studied at Cirencester College from 2021-2023 and is currently undertaking a Level 7 apprenticeship in Internal Audit at St James’s Place.
Isla spoke about how she initially thought she wanted to go to university, and the factors that made her decide that an apprenticeship was the better route for her.
The students also heard about Isla’s day-to-day tasks, exciting projects she has worked on with her cohort of apprentices, and the supportive culture at St James’s Place.
All those in attendance came away feeling inspired and excited about the opportunities available to them beyond college.
St James’s Place has a long-standing association with Cirencester College, with as much as 20% of its early career’s recruitment intake coming from the College. They also support a number of students on a range of T-level courses with industry placements and, along with Cirencester College, are part of the Cotswold Economic Advisory Group- an organisation that promotes economic development in the Cotswold District.
For more information on this story please contact chloe.suter@cirencester.ac.uk
