Seven Upper Sixth students took an important step towards their future careers this week as Trinity hosted a practice assessment centre designed specifically to support those applying for competitive degree apprenticeships. Run in partnership with Whitgift, Royal Russell and Croydon High School, the morning gave students interested in this future path a realistic taste of the tasks, teamwork and communication skills they will need to demonstrate during the apprenticeship application process, helping them feel better prepared and more confident.
Our Heads of School, Abi and Oscar, were joined by Ishaq, Abdul, Harry, Asher and Aiden in a carousel of workplace-focused tasks. Teachers from all four schools were impressed by the maturity, teamwork and initiative shown as students tackled situational judgement challenges, prioritised tasks in an in-tray exercise and put newly learned interview techniques into practice by interviewing each other.
One of the highlights of the session was the group activity, which asked students to compare the cost-effectiveness of four area regeneration proposals: a sports centre, technology hub, green space or upgraded transport network. Teams were tasked with analysing the value of each option and presenting their case under timed conditions. It was a lively, engaging challenge that brought out thoughtful discussion and confident public speaking.
Reflecting on the experience, Ishaq said: “I genuinely enjoyed it. It was a good chance to see how I would work with other people, especially those I had never met before, and what an actual assessment centre would be like.”
Harry agreed, adding: “It was a very good way to introduce the steps we are going to take to apply for a degree apprenticeship and for us to focus our skills on what we will be assessed on.”
Trinity’s Futures team continues to provide exceptional guidance to students applying for apprenticeships, which combine paid employment with fully funded university-level study. Degree apprentices graduate with professional experience, a respected qualification and, often, an offer of full-time employment. Recently students have headed to apprenticeships at leading organisations including: Amazon, KPMG, Sky, Deloitte, HSBC and more.
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