WORK EXPERIENCE & GUEST SPEAKERS
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Here at MCA, we are committed to preparing students for life beyond the classroom through a strong and supportive careers programme. In Year 10, students take part in Work Safari, our work experience initiative, which gives them valuable insight into the world of work and helps them explore different career pathways. Throughout the year, we also welcome a range of guest speakers and former students who return to share their experiences, advice, and career journeys. These opportunities help inspire our students, broaden their ambitions, and give them a real understanding of the skills and qualities needed for future success.
WORK SAFARI 2025/26
On October 15th 2025, our year 10 Health & Social Care students had the opportunity to attend Wythenshawe hospital to participate in a Career insight morning.
Students had the chance to participate in a range of activities and discuss potential career pathways with NHS Professionals
Y10 represented MCA really well on November 26th 2026 on their Work Safari at City Press.
They listened well during the introduction and tour, then engaged brilliantly in the brainstorming task with fantastic ideas. In the afternoon they took on a speed networking task, learning about different roles at City Press and asking lots of thoughtful questions.
Our students had the opportunity to spend the day on December 1st 2025 at Robert Walters. Robert Walters specialise in recruitment. Students completed a variety of tasks.
These included: An opportunity to interview employees, take part in a CV writing workshop and finally present findings on a given scenario. We received some really positive feedback from Robert Walters.
On December 12th our Year 10 students enjoyed an inspiring work safari at Catella APAM, where they learned about the company’s day-to-day operations and explored career opportunities in real estate and accountancy.
The day included a panel discussion with staff, a tour of the building, and a group quiz to test their knowledge.
Students represented MCA brilliantly, impressing the staff with their enthusiasm and professionalism. It was a fantastic experience that gave them valuable insights into the world of work.
On February 23rd, our students recently took part in a work safari with FEC Development Management, exploring the world of construction, regeneration and the built environment.
They visited the sales suite and show home, toured the Collyhurst site for a health and safety briefing, and learned about the wide range of careers involved in major development projects.
Students walked across the Victoria North regeneration area, met engineering and development teams, and took part in a hands‑on mapping activity to design their own regeneration ideas. The day finished with a visit to local Redbank businesses.
This experience gave students valuable real‑world insight into large‑scale development and the diverse pathways available within the construction sector.
On Tuesday 24th February 2026, our students enjoyed an unforgettable day at the Manchester Airport Aviation Careers Festival, held at the Runway Visitor Park.
The event was designed to be “interactive, inspiring, and engaging” and it certainly delivered. From the moment they arrived, students were immersed in the world of aviation, exploring hands‑on activities and discovering the many careers that keep a major airport running smoothly.
Throughout the day, students took part in a wide range of experiences, including aircraft visits, cabin crew training, airfield operations demonstrations, and exciting simulator sessions. They had the chance to meet professionals from across the aviation industry, ask questions, and gain real insight into the skills and teamwork involved in airport life.
The festival encouraged curiosity, confidence, and ambition, giving students the opportunity to explore new interests and broaden their horizons. It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience for all, and one that will stay with our students for many years to come.
Tuesday 17th March saw seven Year 10 students visit Arcadis for a Work Safari Day.
They were given an insight into the job roles available within the company and the different routes they could take to get into these roles. They took part in numerous activities including an ice breaker exercise, building a structure, spotting errors on a site and a quiz. The students all had a great day.
Feedback from provider - "All of the students were so passionate and engaged throughout the day, and it was wonderful to see them asking thoughtful questions and really making the most of the experience"
GUEST SPEAKERS 2025/26
On Monday 8th October 2025 Connell Co-Op College in East Manchester came to talk to our students about the courses and subjects they have on offer. This was a valuable insight into the college experience and sixth form life which we hope has helped everyone in their college decisions.
On October 13th 2025, we had Xaverian college in to talk to our Year 11 students about post-16 options. By highlighting their courses and campus life, Xaverian helped our students take the first steps towards shaping their future. We're excited to see the impact this experience will have on our student's college decisions!
On Monday 9th December 2025, The Manchester College came to talk to our Year 11 students about their post 16 options for next year. This was an extremely valuable talk about the college experience and sixth form life
On January 29th, past MCA student Adérónkẹ̀ came to talk to our KS4 Health and Social Care students about her educational journey, medical school and her fantastic cake business. She explained the importance of setbacks, being your own self and how to balance hobbies and school work. Thank you for coming back and inspiring our students - they learnt so much!
As part of NCW, our KS3 students participated in some STEM workshops on March 3rd. In these workshops, they leant about career paths within construction, how to build skyscrapers out of paper, tested the durability of spaghetti models and much more.
On March 5th, Alumni pupil Millie came to talk about her apprenticeship journey in childcare and why she chose to take this route.
On March 5th, our sports science and GCSE PE students learnt about a career in football whether that be coaching or playing from a City in the Community Future representative and another alumni student
On March 11th, we welcomed Alumni student Gian Rado back into MCA. Gian highlighted to Year 11’s in assembly the opportunities of taking up an apprenticeship and about his with the BBC currently.
Gian spoke in a workshop with students about his journey since leaving MCA, the exciting work he is currently doing with the BBC and how he encourages all students utilising developing skills and opportunities whilst at school.
On 26th March, Marylene, who left us in 2022, returned to speak with our Key Stage 4 students about her journey since leaving school and her current studies. She is now studying Law at Manchester Metropolitan University and led engaging, interactive activities that gave students a real insight into her subject. She also took part in an open and inspiring Q&A session, where students asked thoughtful questions and gained valuable advice about pathways, university life, and future careers.
On 26th March, Armando, a 2022 leaver, came back to share his experiences with our Key Stage 4 students and talk about the path he has taken since leaving school. He is currently studying Orthoptics at the University of Liverpool and delivered interactive activities that helped students better understand his course and career route. During the Q&A session, he offered honest and encouraging advice, helping students learn more about university life, future opportunities, and the different routes available to them.
On 31st March, we had Alumni student Samira Al-Shafi talk to our Year 10 pupils about her Phd in Chemistry and her educational journey. It was a really inspirational talk as Samira spoke about setbacks, rejections and how she overcame this.