The Power of a Bacon Sandwich: A Careers Hub Case Study

Cornwall & the Isles of Scilly's Careers Hub have recognised Clare's impactful work with the school networking in a recent case study:

Clare Trice has united local businesses, staff, and students to strengthen business-education connections, creating a lasting impact.

Key Impact Offers of work experience placements for students have increased. Both in number and in range of opportunity.

Clare Trice, Enterprise Adviser, and Cris Heartford, Deputy Head and Careers Leader at Pool Academy, have successfully bridged the gap between business and education. Their collaboration has transformed the school’s careers programme, ensuring 100% of students’ secure further education or employment placements for two consecutive years.

At the final Your Partnerships networking event of the academic year on June 29th, Cris highlighted the impact of Clare’s breakfast networking sessions—an initiative bringing together local businesses, staff, and students six times a year. These meetings provide a platform for networking over breakfast, followed by focused discussions on topics such as ‘Careers within the Curriculum’ and ‘My Next Steps.’ The impact has been significant:

Immediate Outcomes

• Stronger business connections – Faculty leads and local businesses collaborate to enrich the curriculum with real-world career insights.

• Individual student support – A freelance journalist mentoring a student helped reignite their motivation, leading to increased engagement and a college application.

• Expanded careers initiatives – Events like an NHS apprenticeship session and a year 8 networking event emerged from these meetings.

• Work experience growth – More businesses are offering placements, expanding opportunities for students.

• Student empowerment – A survey highlights increased confidence, career awareness, and a sense of being heard.
  

Wider Impact

• Cultural shift – Leadership engagement has elevated careers education, visible in lessons, the academy website, and student discussions.

• Staff mindset transformation – 85% of teachers now feel more confident embedding careers information into lessons.

• Regional influence – Following Pool Academy’s youth ambassador presentation, other schools are adopting the breakfast networking model, strengthening Cornwall’s careers network.

  
  

Careers Champion Recognition

In recognition of her dedication, Clare was nominated and shortlisted for a Careers Champion Award by the Careers Hub Cornwall & Isles of Scilly.