Meet the team – the Etc . recruitment team , from left : Connor Pearson , Bailie Stephenson , Jess Howard , Allie Kirkbright and James Gray .
FINDING
PICTURES : TOM BANKS
YOUR WAY
W e know considering what to do after leaving school , or changing direction as an adult , is tricky . After all , these can feel like pretty big decisions .
That ’ s where Allie Kirkbright , Bailie Stephenson , Connor Pearson , James Gray and Jess Howard can help . They are the Education Training Collective ’ s ( Etc .) recruitment team .
Look out for them at your school this academic year , or at Etc . college open events .
“ I didn ’ t have a clue what I wanted to do when I left school ,” said Allie , who now works with young people every day , helping them make their own choices .
Meet the Etc . team helping point you in the right direction
The best part of the job , she says , is talking to someone about the colleges or a particular course and then seeing them sign up .
“ EXPLORE OPTIONS YOU ENJOY AND DON ’ T BE AFRAID TO TRY SOMETHING NEW ,”
James is a former Bede Sixth Form College student himself . He said : “ When you are the first contact a person has with the college and you see their success , it feels like we have played a small part .”
It just goes to show the real difference they are making to people ’ s lives .
Connor explained : “ It ’ s all about you as an individual , recognising your likes and preferred ways of learning .”
And whether you have clear ambitions or no idea what you want to do , the team say there ’ s no need to worry .
“ Explore options you enjoy and don ’ t be afraid to try something new ,” said Bailie .
While Jess added : “ Trust your own instincts . And no matter how tempting , don ’ t just follow your friends .”
As for age , that shouldn ’ t be a barrier . James said : “ It is never too late to retrain or simply try something new !”
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