The Future in ICT at Bexhill High

The day, hosted by Bexhill High, in partnership with the Connexions360 and the Hastings and Rother Partnership Board, included a range of interactive presentations from local and international technology industry employers.

The ICT students were given the opportunity of exploring different careers with employers through a series of talks and interactive sessions and the students worked together to design a new web page and logo for the Partnership Board.

Paolo Barone, representing computer giants Microsoft, spoke of developing new technologies and software from classrooms using a variety of software tools which Microsoft provide to schools for free.

Students were particularly keen to learn of new and upcoming developments in the area of 'immersive gaming' for the Xbox 360, and to discover how social networking tools 'facebook', and other forums, were revolutionising the way that new ideas from students around the world are used to develop collaborative solutions to many challenges faced in the world today.

Local employers, Sonia Blizzard, owner of Beaming, which offers networking and software support to businesses throughout the UK, and Fiona Allman-Treen, of web based marketing company FAT Promotions (challenging the stereotype of IT being a male dominated industry) also attended the event,

Students heard how both women grew their companies from scratch, initially working out of their bedrooms and garden sheds; they are now international trading organisations based in Hastings and Bexhill.

Of the event Sonia said: "It was a really inspiring and informative day. It's always really rewarding meeting the next generation of ICT professionals".

Fiona, who has employed students from work experience in the past said: "I was just very glad to have the opportunity to talk with potential future employees and galvanize their vision of their future careers".

The day proved to be a hit with students. Hannah Wiggins from Bexhill High said:

"Amazing! It's made us think about the future, now we know what sort of exciting jobs are out there."

Whilst Jack Abbott from Robertsbridge, commenting on the Microsoft presentation, said: "It's not just computer jobs, other jobs are in exciting areas like gaming and marketing."

Connexions 360, a contracted service from East Sussex County Council, is designed to support young people as they make the transition into adult life providing information, advice and guidance on a wide range of issues including education, training, careers, money, physical and emotional wellbeing."

Employers who would like to work with Connexions360 on similar events are invited to call Alex Sugden on (01323) 745504.