Business

In partnership with a wide variety of established businesses and organisations, students have the opportunity to gain work experience, visit local businesses and receive mentoring and insight from entrepreneurs based in the North West. Students can also develop their business skills by participating in the renowned international Young Enterprise competition.

Opportunities

Across the year, we offer our students the opportunity to make connections that will help with their future careers:

The Oldham Business Awards

Each year a group of students are asked to attend the Oldham Business Awards as representatives from The Blue Coat Sixth Form. Our students meet and greet the guests and have the opportunity to network throughout the evening.

Greater Manchester Mayoral Candidate Hustings

Students were invited to the Greater Manchester mayoral candidate hustings at the Manchester Evening News offices. Our students, many of which would be first time voters, asked questions to the panel of five on a wide range of subjects that affect young people living in Greater Manchester.

Oldham Green Summit

A group of students attended the Oldham Green Summit hosted by Cllr Abdul Jabbar.
This event was organised to bring together local businesses and organisations to work together to tackle climate change. Our students were able to listen to great presentations from Oldham Council, Ultimate Products, First Choice Homes Oldham, and others, on how they plan on helping Oldham be the greenest borough in Greater Manchester!

Bank of England Roundtable

Our student was honoured to be invited to attend Bank of England roundtable with MPC member Catherine Mann in an interesting discussion. Our student proudly represented our Sixth Form, asking great questions to the key note speaker and local business leaders

Business Breakfasts

Our students attended a Business Breakfast with GC Business Growth Hub listening to a panel of inspiring women, from a range of industries, discuss topics relating to International Women’s Day. Our students got to ask questions to the panel and make connections with local female business leaders

Visit to GCHQ

A group of students were able to visit GCHQ in Manchester. It was a great opportunity to learn about the organisation, and the great career opportunities within it.

Professor Brian Cox

Blue Coat Sixth Form students were invited to the Great Horizons event to hear from Professor Brian Cox. The question and answer session was based around how industry and education can work more collaboratively, enhancing opportunities for young people’s STEM skills and careers. Professor Brian Cox’s passion for getting young people into STEM was truly inspiring for our students who all take STEM subjects at A level.

Cyber First MEGA Hub

Our students attended the Cyber First MEGA Hub event – a day of hands-on cyber and tech activities as well as the opportunity to network with industry professionals including those from BT and BNY. One of our students, Will, was awarded the prize for best creative thinker on the day by Cllr Mohon Ali. Fifty MEGA Scholarships were due be awarded providing a £1000 bursary, access to mentorship, industry placements, and a qualification in cyber security that will count towards UCAS points. We are pleased to announce that eight Blue Coat students have been successful in the selection process and have been awarded a place on the Oldham MEGA Scholarship Programme.

Young Enterprise Competition

Taking part in the Young Enterprise Company Programme provides a real-life learning opportunity that introduces young people to the realities of the world of work. To find out more click here.

Work Shadowing

Every student in Year 12 has the opportunity to participate in work shadowing placements. To find out more click here.