Cambridge University Press celebrated World Book Day on Thursday 7 March, with 50 Year 9 and 10 students from 6 schools across Cambridgeshire for the sixth year running. Form the Future managed the event, which provides a platform for the Press to showcase the diverse range of careers within the publishing sector and to give an insight into working for an internationally renowned organisation.
Heidi Mulvey, Head of Community Engagement at Cambridge University Press, said:
“Our World Book Day event is an excellent way to engage with local schools to showcase the wide variety of careers within publishing, and the exciting new routes in, especially through apprenticeships. We were delighted to work with Form the Future who have excellent links with local schools and were able to assist us in delivering this, our sixth World Book Day event.”
The students had the unique opportunity to meet employees from all aspects of the business, from Publishing, Production and Education Reform, to Legal, Marketing and Technology. They were also introduced to two apprentices who shared their experiences of this employment pathway, what their roles have involved and the benefits of working for the Press.
A Year 10 student at Cottenham Village College, said:
“This event has really helped open my eyes to the wide range of jobs. From law to education reform, there are so many opportunities! The apprenticeships can help open those doors if you don’t want to go to university. I will definitely consider the career options in publishing that were presented.”
Catherine Hay, Events & Relationship Manager at Form the Future CIC, said:
“It was a pleasure to help Cambridge University Press with their World Book Day event. The students involved were extremely engaged and learnt so much about the world of publishing, including roles that they didn’t know existed.”
The students were also challenged to consider some of the ethical issues within the industry, such as cultural, political and gender sensitivities, and presented their thoughts to their peers. This enabled them to develop a broader understanding of the publishing world, in addition to the variety of roles and what they might entail. By taking part in this event, the students were also able to practice their communication, collaboration and presentation skills.
Rosie Robson, Head of Key Stage 3 at Trumpington Community College, said:
“This has been an inspiring, thoughtful and highly engaging day for our students who have been supported to consider multiple angles of this diverse and innovative industry. The whole day has been extremely well organised, and it has been a privilege to learn from experts in the field.”
We are always keen to help businesses to achieve their educational outreach goals – whether through bespoke events such as this one with Cambridge University Press, partnerships with specific schools or providing your employees with fulfilling volunteering opportunities. Please contact Catherine Hay at chay@formthefuture.org.uk or on 01223 781296 to discuss your organisation’s requirements.
