Students in Years 9 and 12 from Ellen Wilkinson High School for Girls in Acton have taken part in a careers advice fair organised by Ealing Connexions featuring local businesses.
Among the businesses taking part was Specsavers in Ealing Broadway and nearby Chiswick.
The students aged 13 and 14 along with lower sixth formers had an opportunity to learn about audiology and optician careers.
Specsavers Ealing Broadway audiology director Setor Acolatse, who returned to her old school for the event said: “‘I loved my school days and I feel very grateful for the support I received from my peers and teachers, who inspired me to always do my best in whatever gives me purpose.
Ms Acolatse added: “Today has been a wonderful opportunity to interact with the students, answering questions about audiology and spreading awareness about Specsavers Audiology.”
Specsavers Chiswick’s optician director, Simka Varma who joined Ms Acolatse for the morning careers fair said: “Today’s event is a great opportunity for the students to find out more about eye and ear health, and understand the training required to qualify. The students posed some very interesting questions, so it was great to explain the various career choices available to them, including training with Specsavers.”
Connexions’ careers guidance adviser, Clare Rodway commented: “These events are invaluable in helping students make informed decisions about post-16 learning pathways. Having the opportunity to meet local employers, discuss first-hand any queries and ask questions helps them build up their own knowledge, and form goals and aspirations as they go forward into the world of work.”
Ms Rodway added: “I’m really pleased that Setor and Simka were able to support today’s Career Fair. The students enjoyed finding out more about the science of hearing and eyesight from the Specsavers team. These school careers events are often a catalyst to a profession that might not have been considered before.”