Inspiring Futures: Careers ‘Speed Dating’ Event at the Academy

On Friday 23rd January, we were delighted to welcome an incredible range of employers and training providers to the Academy for our annual Careers ‘Speed Dating’ event — a fast‑paced, engaging and highly informative experience for our Year 8 and Year 9 students.

Representatives from a wide variety of industries joined us, including:

The Engineering Trust
Perrigo
Devon Fire & Rescue Services
North Devon Council
The Navy & Marines
Exeter College
The RAF
Bray Leino
SEA Ltd
North Devon College
North Devon HomesDevon & Cornwall Police

Their presence gave students a unique opportunity to explore potential career paths and discover what working in different sectors is really like.

How the Event Worked

In small groups, students spent 10–15 minutes speaking with each employer before moving on to the next. This ‘speed dating’ format meant they could meet a wide range of professionals in a short space of time, asking questions, hearing real‑world experiences, and gaining insight into roles they may never have considered before.

A Valuable Experience for Our Students

The aim of the event was simple: to broaden horizons and help students understand the variety of careers available within our community and beyond.

For many, it was their first chance to have direct conversations with employers, and the feedback from students has been overwhelmingly positive. They left feeling inspired, informed, and more confident about the possibilities ahead.

A Huge Thank You

We extend our sincere thanks to all the representatives who generously gave their time to support the Academy’s careers programme. Your enthusiasm, expertise, and encouragement made the day a memorable and meaningful experience for our young people.

Events like this play a vital role in shaping future aspirations — and we’re proud to offer such opportunities to our students.