Leading local business people and alumni recently joined together for Rydal Penrhos’ inaugural Industry and Enterprise Day, which took place on Friday 28 April 2023.

The event was open to Rydal Penrhos pupils Years 9 and above, their parents, and young people from the local community, who were eager to learn about the exciting career opportunities available to them.

The aim of the Industry and Enterprise Day was to provide our young people with a comprehensive understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing the dynamic North Wales business landscape. This event is part of Rydal Penrhos’ broader mission to provide its pupils with the knowledge, skills, and experience they need to thrive in the modern world.

The day was a resounding success, thanks in no small part to the corporate partners and alumni who volunteered their time to support our young people. Among the attendees were:

• Representatives from Conwy Employment Hub, the Royal Air Force and British multinational arms, security, and aerospace company BAE Systems.
• Alumnus Mrs Sophie Morris, from events and experiences company Worldspan.
• Former Head Boy and Rydal Penrhos Society Vice-President Mr Nick Fiorita, Special Police Constable with West Midlands Police.
• Mr Alex Sharples, a member of the Rydal Penrhos Class of 2016 and an EasyJet First Officer.
• Class of 2019 member Mr Miles Poller, who has set up his own acting and theatre company.
• Mr Iwan M Williams, owner and founder of Iwan M Williams Estate Agency.
• Mr Jeremy Salisbury, owner and founder of accountancy firm Salisbury & Co.
• Representatives from Holroyd Howe, our catering partners.
• Mr Brown and Mr Farnell, who support pupils’ university and career ambitions through Sixth Form.
• Mr Sutton, who shared his experiences from his past life in engineering.

Following introductions from Admissions and Marketing Manager Mrs McLean, Mrs Morris and Mr Fiorita delivered presentations explaining their careers and the pathway both took after leaving Rydal Penrhos. No doubt out pupils will take extensive encouragement and motivation from seeing the successes our alumni are achieving across a range of fields, powered by a Rydal Penrhos education.

As pupils circled the room and spoke to our visitors, they were thrilled to learn about the wide range of career opportunities available to them both nationally and in the local area. Whether pupils were speaking from a position of uncertainty as to what path they wish to follow, or used the opportunity to discuss their next moves with someone familiar with their chosen industry, the event was a valuable opportunity for our young people.

Rydal Penrhos’ mission to equip pupils with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the modern world is reflected in the school’s Lunch With… events and comprehensive programme of university and careers advice. Led by long-time member of staff and Rydal Penrhos Society President Mr Farnell, this programme offers tailored support to pupils at every stage of their academic journey.

We are incredibly grateful to all the businesspeople and alumni who gave their time and expertise to support our pupils. Their contributions helped to make the Industry and Enterprise Day a huge success, and we hope that the event will inspire and empower young people to pursue their passions and achieve their goals.

The richness of our local business landscape and our alumni community is something that we take great pride in at Rydal Penrhos. We are fortunate to have such a wealth of talented and successful individuals who are willing to give back and support the next generation. We look forward to continuing to work with our corporate partners and alumni to provide our pupils with the best possible education and opportunities for success.