Exploring future careers

‘Take Your Son to Work Day’ 2026 

Year 8 pupils stepped beyond the classroom and into the world of work, spending the day with parents, guardians and family contacts across an incredible range of industries, including Formula 1 engineering and cybersecurity to the NHS, law firms, National Grid, Siemens Energy, HSBC, PwC, and the RAF. 

Gaining first-hand experience of the modern workplace, pupils immersed themselves in a diverse range of sectors, helping to bring careers education to life. Placements spanned an impressive breadth of industries, including: 

• Engineering & Energy: Siemens Energy, National Grid, Rockwell Automation, DNV Services 

• Healthcare & Science: NHS Trusts, The Melton Clinic, AbbVie, University Hospitals of Leicester 

• Finance & Professional Services: HSBC, PricewaterhouseCooper (PwC), WealthKernel 

• Law & Government: Local solicitors, Nottingham Magistrates Court, Leicestershire Police 

• Technology & Innovation: The Access Group, CGI Consulting, software and cybersecurity firms 

• Education & Higher Education: Loughborough University, De Montfort University, University of Leicester 

• Creative, Retail & Manufacturing: Mondelez Cadbury, DFS, Fashion UK, Arden Fine Foods 

This wide-ranging exposure supports pupils’ understanding of career pathways, labour market opportunities, and the skills required for success, directly aligning with the Gatsby Benchmarks for Good Career Guidance and the CDI Careers Framework. 

Pupils who were unable to attend external placements benefited from an engaging in-school programme, including workshops guiding them through a typical career progression – from graduate opportunities to leadership development. A structured ‘Meet and Greet’ session further supported students in developing essential communication, confidence and first impression skills. 

The ‘Meet and Greet’ event drew on the expertise of teachers and staff from across the Loughborough Schools Foundation to share their career journeys in a five-minute one-to-one interview with our pupils. During these sessions, pupils were encouraged to focus on making a good first impression and developing their communication skills through asking ‘interview-style’ questions. The experience equipped pupils with the skills necessary to feel confident in environments beyond the classroom, helping them to feel informed, inspired and prepared for their futures. 

Experiences like ‘Take Your Son to Work Day’ are crucial in supporting our statutory PSHE and careers provision. They enable students to develop confidence, raise aspirations, and make meaningful links between their education and future pathways – key elements of the LGS PSHE curriculum.  

Mrs Nicole Barfield, Head of PSHE and Careers