Careers Convention 2016

26th April 2016

at 6.30pm

Wirral Grammar School for Boys

‘Making the right choices for your future’

Helping Students Make The Next Move

A Careers Evening will help students to decide on their next move, by bringing them face-to-face with a roomful of business and educational experts.

Representatives from different career paths including universities, local and national employers – will be in school this evening to advise you on courses and careers.

The visiting experts will give an insight into careers such as law, medicine, engineering, mechanics, veterinary science, accountancy and the armed forces.

This is a great opportunity for you to speak to experienced men and women about the opportunities available and the qualifications you need to progress in your chosen career.

The purpose of the Careers Convention is to enable pupils and parents to consult experts in various fields of employment and higher education. It is hoped that visitors will not restrict themselves solely to first choice careers, but will also use the opportunity to explore other possibilities whilst so many representatives of industry, commerce and higher education are available. It is emphasised that the advisers who attend the Convention do so simply to provide information and advice. They are not recruiting, but some may have information about the future level of vacancies and when best to apply. We are very grateful to all of the advisers who are attending for giving their time so generously to this important event. The first part of this document contains details of the Advisers and their Rooms by category. The second part contains some information about the Advisers and the career area that they will cover. It is suggested that students read this section thoroughly. Some areas may be covered by more than one Adviser and pupils may get a different insight from each. Finally, to assist pupils there is a list of questions to supplement their own, and a page on which to make notes. As the Electronic Revolution continues to gather pace, and as an indication of the direction in which Careers Guidance and Advice is moving, a short list of useful Internet websites has been included. There are thousands more which need exploring. Every effort has been made to consult students over the selection of Advisers invited. It is hoped that you will enjoy the Convention, and parents` comments to the Careers department are invited. Those who need assistance in deciding which advisers to consult should see the Careers Connect Officers situated in Art Room 1.

www – The Wonderful World of Work

Access to the Internet means that you can obtain information from more than 15,000 sites. Here are just a few:

www.u-explore.com

This site is strongly recommended as being the most current and up-to-date informative site. Bridging the gap between employment and learning. A site that is passionate about learning, employability and improving opportunities for young people giving them the best chance possible to succeed. Supported by ex-teaching professionals, the site maps its information, advice and guidance around the careers education curriculum. They work with real businesses across all industries to provide accurate and helpful information about the world of work.

www.merseyinteractive.com Here, you'll find a world of information that will help you to plan the best future for you. There are many links to resources to help you understand the education and career options available at different stages in your journey, and information if you'd like support with other life issues.

http://www.dfee.gov.uk/mapintro.htm

This website contains information on Modern Apprenticeships.

http://www.careersoft.co.uk

This site has links to nearly 600 higher education institutions and over 200 professional organisations plus other sites of interest when exploring careers. Also information on job seeking including CVs, letters of application and interviews.

https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/Pages/Home.aspx

The National Careers Service provides information, advice and guidance to help you make decisions on learning, training and work opportunities. The service offers confidential and impartial advice. This is supported by qualified careers advisers.

http://icould.com/

icould is a small dynamic charity providing career inspiration and information for young people. We show what is possible in work and offer different ways to think about careers through free access to over 1000 personal video stories, detailed job information, plus practical tips, insight and advice

www.careerconnect.org.uk/

Career Connect is a charity who are passionate about providing high quality independent careers advice, bridging the gap to learning and employment and better life chances for young people and adults. (please see login instructions on next page.)

Step 1: To register visit www.careerconnect.org.uk.

Step 2: Click the key on the left hand side of the screen.

Step 3: Click ‘Not got an account?’

Step 4: Enter all your details on the form ensuring you enter a correct username and password.

Step 5: Enter your portal code 19252

Step 6: Click ‘Create Account’

Your account is now registered and you can access the range of tools provided by Career Connect as well as

your dedicated Connected Portal.

Some suggested questions for pupils to ask:

(1) What is involved in this career - both during training and after? (2) What qualifications are necessary for entry into this career? (3) Would I stand a better chance by staying on at school in the Sixth Form or applying for a modern apprenticeship. (4) Are any particular GCSE / `A` level subjects required? (5) What prospects are there for the future in this career? (6) What range of salary can I expect? (7) What type of person would be most suitable for this career? (8) How can I best prepare myself for this career? (9) Should I try and get a degree first? (10) Are there other ways of entering this career? (11) Where can I obtain further information? (12) Can I take a `Year-Out` before taking a Degree? (13) If I choose a higher Education Degree Course – where could graduates progress to? (14) Universities – What are entry requirements for the courses that I am thinking about, and

how much competition is there for places?

Advisers Career Adviser

Room

ACTUARIAL CAREERS Mercer –Pensions Actuary

Jonathan Perera & Ciaran Shanahan

Main Hall

ARMED FORCES Army

Lt Col (Retd) Bill Busby RLC

EN5

Royal Air Force

Flt Lt Ed Stephens

EN5

Royal Navy

Jayne Stroh

EN5

BARRISTER

George Lamb

Main Hall

BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING University of Liverpool Wirral University Teaching Hospital

Professor Rachel Williams Sally Arnold-Young

BL2 BL3

DENTISTRY Bromborough Seddon Dental Practice Hamilton Square Dental Practice

Dr Shaun Seddon Dr Andrew Morton

MA2 MA2

EDUCATION Wirral Grammar School Sixth Form

Mike Askew

Sixth Form Centre

Wirral Metropolitan College Helen Douglas Sixth Form Centre

Edge Hill University Sophie Barrett-Kai Sixth Form Centre

Liverpool John Moores University

Liverpool Screen School (JMU)

Karen Forman

Ian Bradley

Sixth Form Centre

EN7

Glyndwr University Joy Brereton Sixth Form Centre

Plas Menai Career Training Hope Filby EN6

Reaseheath College Matthew Williams Sixth Form Centre

University of Liverpool Christine Todd Sixth Form Centre

University of Bradford Sophie Collins Sixth Form Centre

Education Training & Careers Advice Carol Rimmer Chloe Elliott

Art 1

Apprenticeships: TTE Victoria Devonside Art 2

Work Experience Co-Ordinator Angela Cottrell

Art 2

Career Adviser

Room

ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION Morgan Sindall Plc Curtins Consulting Engineers Sutcliffe Projects

Paul Kitto

John Davenport Dave Samuels & Sean Keyes

EN1 BE2 EN1

ENGINEERING/ELECTRONICS/ MANUFACTURING Siemens Plc

Andy Hawkings, Andrew Lovatt & Tony Collins

BE1

EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRY Hanson Quarry Products Ltd

Simon Day

BE2

AIR BUS UK Air Bus Operations

Rory Lawton, Dan Glover, Ed Markey &

Jack Portbury

PSY

INSTITUTE OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERS

Ann Pendlebury

BL3

FINANCE Rathbone Bros Plc Lloyds Banking Group

Paul Loughlin & Natasha Murphy

Richard Ankers

Main Hall Main Hall

LAW SOLICITOR Hill Dickinson

Alan Pugh

Main Hall

LAW Wirral Local Authority: Trading Standards Compliance

Jane Rawling

Main Hall

MARINE SURVEY Bibby HydroMap

Rosie Atkinson & Emma Lamont

EN2

OPTOMETRY & DISPENSING OPTICS Specsavers Allisters Opticians

Shane Canning & Ken Roberts

Mark Simpson & Rebecca Stringer

EN4 EN4

MERSEYSIDE POLICE Community Police

PC Matt Gibson, PC Colin Garland &

WPC Rose Wise

IT1

DIAGNOSTIC RADIOGRAPHY: X-RAY Wirral University Teaching Hospital

Michael Rawling & Sally Rainsford

MA1

RADIOTHERAPY – NHS Therapeutic Radiography

Pauline Pilkington & Wendi Heathcock

MA1

ROYAL SOCIETY OF CHEMISTS

Dr Katherine Thompson

BE3

VETERINARY SCIENCE University of Liverpool, School of Veterinary Science

Harry Carslake

MA3

PEN PORTRAITS FOR 2016 AIRBUS - Airbus is a leading aircraft manufacturer whose customer focus, commercial know-how, technological leadership and manufacturing efficiency have propelled it to the forefront of the industry. Employing over 55,000 people of more than 100 nationalities, Airbus is a global company that thrives on the mix of ideas, vision and knowledge such a combination of cultures creates. Airbus in the UK is world-renowned for its centres of excellence for wing design and manufacture and to stay at the forefront of an innovative and dynamic industry we want to inspire the next generation to develop a passion for our business. Representing the company tonight are: RORY LAWTON is a Craft Apprentice. Rory commenced his role in 2013 and enjoys working as part of a team

to create a product that is used all around the world.

DAN GLOVER is a Craft Apprentice (Aero Engineering). Dan commenced role in September 2013 and has had the opportunity as part of his role to meet with other apprentices abroad in a variety of countries, which includes various activities to take part in. Dan enjoys First-Time projects - working on aircraft that has not been tested yet is always exciting. ED MARKEY is a Direct Entry Graduate and started his role in 2014. He spent six months working in Toulouse as part of the Sharklet Retro-fit project and enjoys the variety of opportunities available in what is a growing and exciting industry. JACK PORTBURY is a Third Year Undergraduate Apprentice, Currently working in A350 Quality Lineside. He commenced his role in 2013 and has visited Juist in Germany with Airbus to allow International Mobility Training with other apprentices from different countries. Jack enjoys being able to work as an engineer on aircraft on a daily basis and lead projects which can improve the quality of the product that is being produced. SALLY ARNOLD-YOUNG is a Biomedical Scientist in the Medical Microbiology Department at Wirral University Teaching Hospital who regularly attends Careers events to represent her profession as an independent advocate. MIKE ASKEW is Head of Sixth Form at Wirral Grammar School. He is an Economist by training and has been at the school for over 20 years. He was previously Head of Business Education. Mr Askew has worked in two other Secondary Schools and also spent some time as a Software Development Manager. ROSIE ATKINSON - Following completion of her A-levels in 2005, Rosie took a gap year working and travelling before starting a BSc in Geography at the University of Liverpool. During her time at Liverpool Rosie often used Geographical Information Systems and researched careers in geomatics. Rosie graduated from Liverpool in 2009 and took another gap year to save for postgraduate study. In 2010-2011 Rosie moved to Glasgow to study for an MSc in Geospatial and Mapping Sciences. On completion of her MSc Rosie started working in land survey on sites around the UK. In 2012 and moved into hydrographic survey; her current work involves 1-4 weeks at sea collecting geophysical data mixed with office time processing data, writing reports and assisting with commercial tendering. It makes for an adventurous and interesting career with lots of travel and extended periods of leave. Rosie is joined tonight by her colleague EMMA LAMONT IAN BRADLEY is a Senior Lecturer teaching Media Production at the Liverpool Screen School. The Screen School delivers a variety of undergraduate programmes within media, film, journalism, creative writing and the performing arts. Programmes are informed by research addressing contemporary issues in related industries. The School is also known for the strong links forged with local, national and international companies and institutions, including the BBC, ITV, Trinity Mirror, Lime Pictures, Classic FM, ZUMC in Hangzhou and the Institute of the Arts, Barcelona. We also organize the Liverpool Film Seminar series and are involved in both Sound City, Doc/Fest and Edinburgh Fringe Festival. These partnerships offer a wealth of opportunities for both staff and students.

SOPHIE BARRETT-KAI is the Education Liaison Officer at Edge Hill University. From its origins as a specialist Teacher Training institution (opened in 1885), Edge Hill University now has 26,000 students on a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, from Music Production to Genetics. Located in 160 stunning acres in West Lancashire, Edge Hill University boasts an ever growing award-winning vibrant campus community, amongst many other achievements: - Times Higher Education UK University of the Year 2014/2015 - Top in the North West for Student Satisfaction (NSS) - Times Higher Education Best University Workplace 2015 - £250m campus investment including a brand new £30m sports complex - Safest campus in the region three years running according to the Complete University Guide - 95% of full-time degree students finding work or further study within six months of graduating, which places the University in the top eight public universities in England (HESA 2014). JOY BRERETON has been part of the Wrexham Glyndwr University community for just over 12 years working initially as an Executive Personal Assistant within the Directorate for 5 years then transferring into the Marketing, Recruitment and Admissions Team. Her current role as Partnerships Coordinator involves managing and overseeing relationships between the university and schools/colleges ensuring that the university meets the needs of learners in and around our local region while raising awareness of higher education. This role is very varied and involves a considerable amount of travel across the width and breadth of the UK. Joy has recently returned to study, to undertake a Post Graduate course (Executive MBA) at the university and so is well placed to provide advice and guidance on what the university has to offer potential students looking to study in the heart of North East Wales. LT COL (Retired) Bill BUSBY RLC - Bill Busby was born in 1964 in Solihull in the West Midlands. He completed a Technician Apprenticeship with British Leyland and Land Rover. Where he participated on Operation Raleigh as a ‘Venturer’ to Pakistan in 1987, with Directing Staff supplied from the Royal Regiment of Wales that inspired him to join the Army in 1988. He was commissioned into the RAOC in 1990 with subsequent postings to: an Ammunition Depot in Oxford, the Supply Squadron in Alberta Canada. Promoted to Capt within the REME Workshop as a Stores Tp Commander in Sennelager Germany and later as a Sqn Ops Officer deploying to the Balkans. As a Major he attended the Royal Military College of Science, Shrivenham and completed an MSc in Defence Logistics Management, taking up a subsequent post in the Defence Procurement Agency in Bristol as an Integrated Logistics Support Manager. His sub-unit command was in Abingdon with notable events including taking his squadron to Canada and also part of providing military fire crews in support of Staffordshire during the fireman’s dispute in 2002. As a Staff Officer in Northern Ireland he was then deployed to Islamabad Pakistan as the Logistic Liaison Officer for the surface line of communication into Afghanistan. He returned to NI as the Regimental 2IC of a large Logistic Unit. He was promoted to Lt Col in a Staff post 1st (UK) Armoured Division Herford Germany and later providing support to NATO and EU UK Service Personnel based in North West Europe. In 2012 he took Command of 156 (NW) Transport Regiment RLC based in Liverpool. After 3-years in Command he took early retirement to focus on his family and is now a Senior Careers Advisor for the Army based in Chester. He has led and organised 9 overseas expeditions, the last one in 2009 to Namibia. His main passion is dinghy racing, achieving Army Single Handed Dinghy Sailing Champion and Combined Service Runner-up. He is a newly qualified offshore sailing ‘Day Skipper’ gained at Kiel. Is an avid Ice Hockey player and currently Chairman of the RLC Chiefs. As an Army Reservist he recently took part in a 2-week Nordic Ski and Biathlon Competition in Germany. SHANE CANNING and KEN ROBERTS Optometry and Dispensing Optics. A career in Optometry or Dispensing Optics doesn't often spring to mind unless you wear glasses or contact lenses yourself, or have a family member in the profession; however, either of these options can lead to a highly rewarding career with many facets. Whether you wish to make a career as a healthcare professional, in academia or in business the world of optics could be the right choice for you. Both Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians are in high demand, and there are few, if any, unemployed Optometrists or Opticians. Optometrists carry out eye tests and look after eye health. Qualification involves a 3-year Honours Degree course followed by a year in supervised practice with a post-graduate sponsor. Dispensing Opticians are professionals in fitting optical appliances. Qualification involves studying for a Foundation Degree, usually whilst working full-time for a pre-graduate sponsor. Further professional training and exams can lead to inclusion on the specialty Contact Lens

register. Careers in optics can be highly rewarding financially as well as intellectually challenging, and there is a global marketplace for your skills, not just in the UK. Your career could take you to almost anywhere in Europe or the far side of the world if you choose. Available to advise on these careers will be Shane Canning BSc (Hons) MCOptom and Ken Roberts FBDO CL. Both are business partners in the Specsavers Opticians and Hearing Centres in Birkenhead and Wallasey. They operate a high-volume and highly professional optical and hearing service which, although part of a national group, is locally focussed. Having become the UK market leader Specsavers has turned it sights internationally and is now the world's largest independently owned optical chain. Specsavers is the largest operator in Scandinavia and Australasia, with world-class manufacturing plants in the UK, the Far East and Eastern Europe. SHANE CANNING is a practicing optometrist with 25 years’ experience. He studied at UMIST in Manchester and is a member and former Chairman of the Wirral Local Optical Committee, a body which liaises between the NHS and Wirral opticians. He is a former of the Membership and Standards Committee of the College of Optometrists, the national professional and examining body. Shane is involved with Optometry undergraduate placement programmes within Specsavers and he will be pleased to advise on all aspects of optometry, career choices and university entrance requirements. KEN ROBERTS is a practicing Dispensing and specialist Contact Lens Optician. Ken studied in Bradford and is also a member of the Wirral LOC. His focus is on business development and Wirral's ground-breaking NHS Community Audiology Service. He is a distance-learning tutor for the Association of British Dispensing Opticians and is well placed to advise on entry requirements and career pathways into dispensing optics, which can be both via full time study or by apprenticeship. JOHN DAVENPORT John is an old boy of the school, leaving in 1983 when he went to work for Curtins Consulting Engineers where he remained until 1994 when he moved to Steve Hunt Partnerships. In 1997 he returned to Curtins where he is an Associate. John has had varied experience in all fields of Structural and Civil Engineering particularly with regard to structural steelwork, reinforced concrete, foundations, land reclamation and refurbishment of existing buildings. SIMON DAY currently works as a Regional General Manager for Hanson who are one of the largest suppliers of building materials in the UK. The company produces aggregates, asphalt, concrete, cement and other products that are used by the construction industry. Hanson is part of the global Heidelberg Cement Group. He has responsibility for all aspects of the Hanson quarrying business in the North of the UK. As well as the day to day running of the business, managing the impact of the quarries on the environment is a key part of the role and includes liaising with planning authorities as well as local residents and nature conservation groups. Simon studied Mining Engineering at Imperial College London and entered the quarrying industry as a graduate trainee in 1989. Since this time he has held a wide range of roles covering both the operational and commercial aspects of the business. His time in industry has allowed him to travel to work in Europe, North American and Australia. If you like the idea of a job that involves exposure to a wide range of people and environments then a career in the extractives industry may be right for you. Many roles require adaptable people with an all-round skillset and the industry employs engineers and geologists as well as specialists in support roles. The industry will typically offer young graduates a lot of hands-on responsibility at an early age. The industry offers the opportunities to work all around the world as mining and quarrying are essential primary industries in all economies and hence qualified people are always in demand. The industry also offers entry into management via Higher Apprenticeship schemes at 18+ and Hanson are among a number of employers who will provide fully funded training to degree level for trainees entering the industry through this route. HELEN DOUGLAS has been employed by Wirral Met College since 1999 and qualified as a student adviser in 2008. She advises students about Post 16 progression, career and apprenticeship choices and university options. She works with a range of students to provide impartial information, advice and guidance. HOPE FILBY began working at the Plas Menai National Outdoor Centre in November 2013 as an outdoor instructor. In October 2014 she moved to the sales and marketing team to look after the Outdoor Academi which focuses on professional training such as the outdoor instructor training, water rescue training and team building programmes.

KAREN FORMAN has worked at Liverpool John Moores University since 1997 working both in Admissions

and Widening Participation. She studied BA (Hons) English Language and Linguistics at the University of Durham and has since completed an MA in Marketing at Liverpool John Moores University.

PCs MATT GIBSON, COLIN GARLAND AND WPC ROSE WISE Community Police Officers working for Merseyside Police ANDY HAWKINGS studied Biology, Physics and Chemistry A Level. He worked for two years as an Articled Clerk, training to be a Chartered Accountant. A total change of direction followed! He was always interested in electronics and communication, so trained as a Marine Radio Officer. Andy worked in Dover servicing radio and radar on cross-channel ferries and hovercraft and joined Racal, working in the Test Department, then Quality Assurance Department. After seven years, Andy joined Siemens in Congleton as a Quality Assurance Engineer. Subsequently he became one of the founder members of the Customer Support Team looking after the inverters that are made here in Congleton, Erlangen, Germany and Tianjin and Nanjing China. Whilst in this last position, Andy has travelled to most countries in Europe, India, China, Taiwan, Australia, Canada, USA and Argentina. Andy is joined by his colleagues TONY COLLINS and ANDREW LOVATT. PAUL KITTO graduated from Wirral in 1985 and Nottingham University in 1990 with an Honours Degree in Civil Engineering. He is a Chartered Engineer and has progressed his career from Site Engineer to Project Director on numerous construction projects in the Sea Defence, Highways, Water, Power and Motorway Technology sectors. He has held senior roles at Alfred McAlpine, Carillion and more recently Morgan Sindall. Paul currently holds the position of Pre Construction Director for the Morgan Sindall Infrastructure Business. Key Client activity is with Crossrail, Highways England, High Speed 2, Welsh Government and Network Rail. GEORGE LAMB was a student at Wirral Grammar School for Boys between 2003 and 2010 and was taught by Mr Geoff Hinde MBE who was responsible for igniting his interest in law. George left sixth-form in 2010 to study law at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU). From there he was awarded a First Class law degree and later studied for a Masters in International Law for which he was awarded a Distinction. After his Masters George applied to do the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) at BPP Law School, Manchester. He was awarded a major scholarship from the Honourable Society of the Inner Temple in London, which covered his course fees and living expenses. George is set to be called to the Bar of England and Wales in July of this year and intends to practice on the ‘Northern Circuit’ which includes Liverpool and Manchester. George feels very honoured to be asked to return to Wirral, a school that holds a special place in his heart and hopes he can encourage Wirral’s budding young lawyers to pursue a career at the Bar. PAUL LOUGLIN joined Rathbones, one of the UK's leading providers of investment management services for private clients, charities and professional advisers, over twenty years ago becoming Deputy COO in 2011. He has also completed an MBA; his dissertation focused on the different perspectives of what constitutes service quality in financial services. DR ANDREW MORTON from Hamilton Square Dental Practice has practiced since 1985 and has a part time post at the University of Liverpool. The practice was established in 1926 and offers Implants, Invisalign and operates both an NHS and private service. NATASHA MURPHY joined Rathbones in 2013. As HR Officer she supports the business in a number of ways, specialising particularly in the areas of recruitment and talent management. As an Associate member of the CIPD, she utilises her skills to provide guidance and advice on a range of employee related matters. JONATHAN PERERA AND CIARAN SHANAHAN - Jonathan joined Mercer in 2001 on the graduate scheme after studying BSc Mathematics at the University of Hull. After completing a number of the actuarial exams, Jonathan is now working towards the Certified Actuarial Analyst qualification. He has worked in Mercer’s Public Sector speciality group, based in Liverpool, for 10 years. Ciaran joined Mercer in 2015 on the graduate scheme after studying BSc Economics and MSc Finance at the University of Liverpool and is now working towards the actuarial qualification.

ANN PENDLEBURY is part of the Membership & Market Development with the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE). PAULINE PILKINGTON & WENDI HEATHCOCK - Wendi and Pauline are both therapeutic radiographers with a wide range of experience within radiotherapy and cancer care. They trained in radiotherapy prior to the introduction of the Radiotherapy degree and have both undertaken post graduate study in education and healthcare subjects. They have both worked in radiotherapy for approximately 25 years and with Higher Education institutions for 10 years and are able to offer good quality careers advice. ALAN PUGH attended Wirral Grammar School for Boys from 1984 – 1991. He was Head Boy and after his A Levels went to Nottingham Trent University to study law. After University he secured a training contract with the Liverpool law firm, Hill Dickinson and has been with them since 1996. Alan is currently Head of the Construction and Engineering Team. JANE RAWLING is a Trading Standards Officer and Weights & Measures Inspector within the Regeneration and Environment Directorate at Wirral Council. Jane has 20 years’ experience in carrying out Criminal Investigations and currently specialises in enforcing advising food businesses in all aspects of food standards law. She also investigates and advises on all aspects of Trading Standards law which includes metrology, animal feed, product safety, age-restricted sales, doorstep crime and fair trading. MICHAEL RAWLING is a Senior Radiographer from Diagnostic Radiography Department at Wirral University Teaching Hospital, Clatterbridge. Michael is joined tonight by his colleague SALLY RAINSFORD CAROL RIMMER has been the link Connexions advisor for the school since 2003, advising pupils about GCSE and A level subject options. Post 16 and post 18 options, career choices and university choices. She works with all pupils from Year 9 upwards. Carol visits the school twice a week to offer careers guidance interviews and also attends parents’ evenings in order to provide information, advice and guidance. Carol is well known to the pupils at this school and is joined tonight by her colleague CHLOE ELLIOTT. DAVE SAMUELS is an Executive Associate with Sutcliffe Projects (Consulting Civil and Structural Engineers) based in Liverpool. He is joined tonight by his colleague SEAN KEYES. DR SHAUN SEDDON of Bromborough Dental Practice. Dr Seddon gained his A levels in Crosby, Liverpool and went on to achieve a BSc (Hons) degree at London University in 1985. He then studied for a PhD entitled ‘Infection of the Oral Cavity’ at the London Hospital. Between 1985 and 1988 Dr Seddon was employed as Post-Doctoral Research Scientist at the MRC Clinical Research Centre, specialising in infectious diseases. This was followed by his gaining BDS at the London Hospital in 1996. Since 1996 he has been employed in a general dental practice in Wirral, and in 1997 began part-time lecturing at Liverpool University in Periodontology. MARK SIMPSON – Mark studied Optometry at Cardiff University for three years where he gained his BSc (Hons) degree allowing him to carry out his pre-registration period, which is a year practicing as an Optometrist under direct supervision. During this year there are a number of ‘in-practice’ visits from an examiner and a final exam. Mark became fully qualified in 2009 and since then has completed further training in diabetes, glaucoma and cataracts allowing him to carry out more advanced assessments on his patients. Mark has also been nominated onto the Cheshire Local Optical Council by his peers where he works on all issues relating to NHS Optometric services in the county including GOS sight tests, GOS regulations and terms of service, Clinical Governance and Enhanced Services. Mark has recently been awarded a grant from Health Education England North West to complete a further 2 years of advanced training at Aston University. During this training he hopes to gain an Independent Prescriber Qualification which will allow him to prescribe a broader range of medications to treat more eye pathology. REBECCA STRINGER graduated with an Optometry degree from Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge and carried out her pre-registration with Boots Opticians before becaming a fully qualified Optometrist in 2011. Since then Rebecca has worked for both Boots Opticians and Specsavers which is where she is currently working. Rebecca has undertaken further training in cataracts, glaucoma and red eyes, which enables her to carry out specialised testing.

FLT. LT. ED STEPHENS – ROYAL AIR FORCE - Flt Lt Stephens joined the RAF and was commissioned in 2003. After an initial hold at RAF Cranwell he commenced his Logistic Officer training in late 2004. His first tour was at one of the RAF busiest bases RAF Brize Norton where he was responsible for the Airside Transport network. During his time at Brize Norton he also spent time in the Falklands. In 2006 he was posted to RAF Henlow where he worked on an engineering project team working with civilian contractors IBM and Siemens. During this tour he spent time deployed in Iraq offering logistical support to contractors and helping moving them and equipment to all corners of Iraq and Kuwait. In 2008 Stephens moved to the Careers office at Liverpool and was responsible for all recruitment activities in the Liverpool area. In 2010 he took over the Engagement Officers role and is now responsible for all engagement in the North West of England. Flt Lt Stephens is married with 2 children. In his spare time he enjoys spending time with his family, mountain biking for the RAF and walking his dog. JAYNE STROH is a Careers Advisor for the Royal Navy, based at HMS Eaglet, Liverpool. DR KATHERINE THOMPSON I graduated with a B.Sc. degree in Chemistry from Imperial College London in 1990, before completing a physical-inorganic chemistry Ph.D. on catalysis in 1993, having spent 3 years as a Higher Scientific Officer at the UK Defence Research and Evaluation Agency before moving to Unilever Research & Development in 1996. Katherine is based at Unilever’s Port Sunlight R & D Laboratory. This specializes in supporting Unilever’s global Home and Personal Care businesses and has been involved in developing technologies for a range of well-known brands including Persil and Surf laundry detergents, Domestos bleach, Lifebuoy soap, Sure Deodorants and Signal Oral care products. Katherine currently works in the Home Care Discover Group as a Lead Scientist working in a multidisciplinary team with other chemists, biologists, physicists and mathematicians. Her primary research interest is in the efficient and environmentally responsible delivery of actives. Katherine is an active member of the Royal Society of Chemistry, which is the professional body for Chemists in the UK and sits on RSC Liverpool Local Section Committee. CHRISTINE TODD is Head of UK Recruitment at the University of Liverpool and has worked in the Higher Education sector for 18 years. She is responsible for working with Academic Departments to recruit UK students onto Undergraduate and Postgraduate Taught programmes. Her team has responsibility for all student recruitment activity including Schools Liaison and Open Days. The University enjoys a close working relationship with Wirral Grammar School for Boys, with many students progressing to the University each year. MATTHEW WILLIAMS is a Marketing and Recruitment Officer for Reaseheath College. Reaseheath is one of the UK’s premier, specialist land-based colleges based in Nantwich, Cheshire. We pride ourselves on putting our students at the heart of all we do by inspiring achievement and driving ambition, giving them the best possible start for a successful career in the land-based industry. We provide a range of technical diplomas and apprenticeships in a supportive and caring environment. All of our courses are career focussed with every student now completing a work placement as part of their programme of learning. This valuable experience, coupled with our strong links with employers, means that our students leave college with the technical skills and academic knowledge that the industry wants and needs. Over recent years we have invested over £50million in cutting edge technology and world-class facilities, with a further £30million investment planned for the campus over the next four years. This includes a new halls of residence for 200 students, a new Agriculture Technology Centre, Sports Science Academy, science laboratories and an extended HE Centre and Employer Hub. PROFESSOR RACHEL WILLIAMS Biomedical Engineering. Biomedical engineering involves the application of physics and engineering principles to biological and medical systems. In this demonstration we will show you how Doppler Ultrasound can be used to measure blood flow. We will show you cardiovascular stents and discuss how they are used to treat restrictions in blood flow. We will discuss how the material properties of the stents can be designed so that the surgeons can implant them into blood vessels in patients. Other medical implants will be available for you to examine and we can discuss how they are designed and how they work, for example hip and knee joint replacements, heart valve replacements, dental implants and intraocular lenses.

Notes

Cross Lane Bebington Wirral CH63 3AQ Tel: 0151 644 0908 Company Number: 7734231 VAT Number: 119 0936 13

Acknowledgement

Thank you to all the Careers Team who have contributed to make what we hope will be, a very successful evening.

The School would like to thank all our participants for giving up their time to represent the many different career areas offered tonight. It makes a big difference to our students and their decision making.

Without the support of the above, this event would not have been possible.

www.wirralgrammarboys.com