Larkmead School’s Careers Lead Wins ‘Careers Champion Award’ at Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards
The work of Claire Christiansen, Careers Lead at Larkmead School in Abingdon, was honoured at the Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards event held recently at the spectacular Williams F1 Conference Centre.
Ms Christiansen was chosen from 3 finalists as winner of the Careers Champion Award, sponsored by the Engineering Trust. Richard Harris, Chair of Trustees and Company Secretary of the Engineering Trust, presented the Award.
The other finalists were Jackie Mustoe from Carterton Community College and Andrew Hemming, of Chilworth House Upper School.
Announcing the award winner, Mr Harris said “Claire’s wealth of experience shines though in her organising of events to promote different career pathways. The Leadership Team and Governors at Larkmead recognise the value of her efforts. As a result, there is schoolwide ownership of the careers programme which benefits the student community.”
Having worked in the careers sector in Oxfordshire for 19 years, Ms Christiansen has spent the last 10 inspiring Larkmead’s students in their career planning, helping them reach their potential by exploring with them the career/education options available.
As part of her work creating new career partnerships and pathways for future students, Ms Christiansen engages with local independent schools, businesses and an alumni network to share best practice and enhance opportunities.
A noteworthy initiative is the ‘MAD’ (Make A Difference) week, during which students spend a week volunteering with a voluntary or Not for Profit organisation.
Ms Christiansen said: “This is a great way of introducing the voluntary sector into the careers landscape, providing students with meaningful interactions through which they can gain valuable skills.”
Ms Christiansen concluded: “I’m really proud and honoured to win and gain this recognition for the work I do and enjoy so much. I love hearing from students once they have left and they update me on their success. I am motivated to help them all realise their potential”.