PAST CAREERS EVENTS
Year 11 Mock Interview Day, Friday 12th December 2025
I am always grateful for the support and time given from partner organisation and feel that young people really benefit from the support and input, giving them extra life skills from the Mock Interview Day. This is vital to our pupils, preparing them for Further Education interviews or the world of work. I will be guiding and supporting all pupils making their very important decisions for applications to colleges, 6th Forms and Training providers or alternative provision and employment. The pupil feedback from this event was amazing, and there was a buzz around the school all day. We couldn't have done this without the support of colleges, providers, employers, parents, and Governors. The pupils truly shone, with excellent interview techniques, and they all looked amazing, dressed professionally for their interview, and a high standard of CVs was presented in their Record of Achievements.
- Mrs Bennett, Careers Leader at Smithills School
Alliance Learning Drop-In
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Mrs Bennett, our school's Careers Leader, arranged for Alliance Learning to attend a lunchtime drop-in on Monday, 8th December 2025, for our Year 11 pupils. Alliance Learning is based in Horwich, Bolton and has been delivering Apprenticeships since 1966. An Apprenticeship not only enables you to gain a Qualification but also allows you to earn a wage at the same time – (earning whilst you're learning). For many years, Apprentices have qualified, enabling them to complete Degrees, progress into more senior roles, and, in some cases, go on to start their own businesses. Apprenticeships are currently viewed more favourably and as a competitive alternative to higher education. As your work develops, you can pursue a range of degree apprenticeships. For more information, contact the recruitment team at 01204 677888 or email info@alliancelearning.com. Alternatively, you can visit their website or attend their next Open Evening for advice and guidance Thursday, 12th February 2026, 4.00 pm-7.30 pm.
Motivational Speaker
Year 11 have attended a Motivational Assembly with Adam Corbally before their Mock Exams in January 2026. Adam became a motivational speaker back in 2012 after he reached the final in season 8 of the hit TV show “The Apprentice”. Adam’s keynote presentation focuses on his story: from leaving home and school at 16 years old with no hope, being sentenced to a young people’s attendance centre, then managing to turn his life around after returning to school to become a financial success, and more importantly, accomplish happiness and fulfilment in his own life. Adam’s message is about how to be resilient in tough times, raise aspirations, deal with change, achieve goals and be the best version of yourself every day. Adam teaches audiences to surround themselves with brilliant people and bring out the best in those around them, enabling them to create and take the opportunities they deserve! Adam has delivered his keynote motivational speech at some amazing venues, including the Lowry Theatre, Tower of London, Kimpton Clock Tower, NEC, and the O2 Arena, to a host of different businesses, in addition to motivating over 650 Schools, Colleges, and Universities all over the U.K. to over 500,000 people.
Year 11 Preparing for Success Evening
Thank you to all our parents/ carers and providers for taking the time to visit our Year 11 Preparing for Success Evening. We had an overwhelming attendance at the event, with parents and carers understanding the key milestones in pupils' crucial final year at Smithills, and all having the chance to meet with post-16 providers from across Bolton. Thank you to all who attended.
Year 10 Work Experience 2025
We are pleased to share with you our latest promotional film from this year's Work Experience Week.
We had 50 pupils in School where they completed lots of workshops around Careers.
Additionally, they completed a full day doing First Aid and also participated in an Enterprise Day with Adam Corbally from The Apprentice.
Adam Corbally Enterprise Days
Watch the highlights from our recent Enterprise Day with Adam Corbally.
Year 9 Enterprise Day
Pupils completed a day-long workshop with Adam Corbally, runner-up from The Apprentice.
Pupils came up with a product or business service idea, and this will help them develop better communication and leadership skills.
The University of Manchester Visit
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We had our 3rd visit to The University of Manchester with Year 9 pupils & Mrs Bennett, our careers leader for the Gateway programme on Thursday, 27th Feb 25.
Smithills competed against other schools across Manchester & came 1st in the Girls' group & runners-up in the Boys Enterprise events.
National Careers Week | Year 10 Assembly
Mark Dawson presented a motivational assembly with Mrs Bennett yesterday. Mark is part of the Smithills Community, and he came into Smithills to talk about his career path as part of National Careers Week.
Simon Singh Day
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Smithills School were successfully selected to attend the Bolton School Simon Singh Day, which was attended by 21 other schools and around 500 pupils. The inspirational and motivational talk was followed by lunch and a Science lesson. Thank you to Bolton School!
National Careers Week
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Mark Mcloughlin from Sherwin-Williams came into the school to discuss the careers and job opportunities that are available. Sherwin-Williams is the world's largest coating manufacturer.
Thank you to Mark and the team.
Year 11 Results & Parents’ Evening
Many thanks to our wonderful further education, careers advisers, and employers who set up their stalls last night to support our pupils.
National Apprenticeships Week
Smithills High School welcomed Bolton College & Adam Corbally in this morning’s Year 11 Assembly.
