AGS Alumni | Andrew Walker
Name: Andrew Walker
Left Acklam Grange: 2011
Current position: Social Worker – Child Protection
Current Employer: Middlesbrough Council
What was your experience at Acklam Grange like?
Overall it was a great secondary school experience. I wish I had cared more about pursuing my education when I had the opportunity rather than what my friends and others thought at the time.
Do you have a fond memory that you would like to share?
I went to France with school on a trip that was a good memory getting to travel around small French markets and experience a different country.
What person, class or experience most influenced you?
I enjoyed history lessons with Mr Cass and him being my head of year, he always made lessons fun.
How did your education at AGS prepare you for your career?
Acklam Grange gave me the opportunity to explore health and social care placements which I found useful and helped me decide to pursue a career in social care as a social worker.
What has your career path been like? How did you get to where you are?
I attended Middlesbrough College and then Teesside University to train to become a social worker.Due to my own background, I felt I was best placed in this industry helping others is a similar or difficult situation.
What do you enjoy about your job?
What skills have served you well in your career?
Communication, empathy, understanding and a non judgemental approach.
What advice would you give to current Acklam Grange students about their future?
Make the most of every opportunity and time that school offers you, do not worry about the opinions of others, if you find something you enjoy pursue it. The question that helped me get to where I am today was: if money wasn’t a problem, what would you want to do with your time? When you have the answer to that, you have the answer of what you can build your career on, my answer to that question was helping others.
If you’re a former student of Acklam Grange School and want to share your story, get in touch via the details below.
Miss S Winter
Careers Advisor
01642 277700
winter.s@acklamgrange.org.uk