Opening doors to future careers in telecoms and engineering

KTL recently returned for a visit to St. Ambrose High School in Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire, Scotland for a careers fair where students were supported in understanding how subject choices today can open doors to careers in telecoms and engineering roles tomorrow.

The session was led by Ava Kerr accompanied by Paul Korzeniewski and Charlie Grogan where the focus was on practical pathways into the industry. 

A particularly impactful moment came from Charlie Grogan, a former pupil of St Ambrose, currently on a KTL graduate apprenticeship programme, developed in partnership with the University of Strathclyde. He spoke to students directly about decisions he was making only a year ago, that shaped his career journey.

Reflecting on the visit, Charlie shared, “Visiting St. Ambrose High School was a great opportunity for me to speak to young people in a similar position that I was in this time, last year. I shared with the students my experience of doing a graduate apprenticeship and the work I do with KTL.”

For many students, hearing from someone close to their own age made the pathway feel real, “I was able to share firsthand experience of the real benefits of graduate apprenticeship life at KTL. 

Being in a similar position last year, I would have found it very beneficial to speak to someone my own age.”

Charlie’s contribution was recognised by Daniel Kennedy, Principal Teacher of Developing the Young Workforce, he shared, “Charlie was excellent. He really resonated with our young people. He spoke so passionately and informatively about KTL – he is clearly thriving.”

Ava, Project Manager and Charlie’s mentor, continues to shape KTL’s approach to early careers and structured learning pathways. She concluded:

“I enjoyed sharing career options in telecoms and engineering, the different roles, subjects, and pathways available, and the reasons for choosing these careers. 

I’m a strong advocate of graduate apprenticeships, and this visit helped raise awareness of opportunities students may not have known about.”

With another school visit planned in the coming weeks, we remain focused on opening doors, sharing real experiences, and investing in future talent.