AGS Alumni | Jasminder Kaur
Name: Jasminder Kaur
Left Acklam Grange: 2010
Current position: Early Careers Advisor
Current Employer: PD Ports
What was your experience at Acklam Grange like?
It was an extremely positive experience, due to the friends I made there and my teachers.
Do you have a fond memory that you would like to share?
There are so many, it’s difficult to pick just one. Having Mrs Smelt for English GCSE was a fantastic 2 years.
What person, class or experience most influenced you?
Tracy Quinn and Lisa Antill were 2 of the best teachers I ever had, they always believed in me and encouraged me to be better.
How did your education at AGS prepare you for your career?
I was lucky to meet other young people from a variety of backgrounds, many of who I am still in touch with. My time at AGS made me determined to succeed and motivated me to work hard for the remainder of my academic career.
What has your career path been like? How did you get to where you are?
I studied Chemical Engineering at Teesside University, during that time I also worked part time as a youth worker which derailed me from the path I was originally on. I decided I wanted to pursue a role working with young people. My first full time job was at a pawnbrokers in Newcastle, and from there I went on to work in a call centre for almost 2 years. I then landed a job at the University of Sunderland where I was a higher education ambassador for around a year and a half followed by a year in recruitment for Reed in Partnership. My next role was at a sixth form college as a post-16 tutor where I was responsible for the pastoral care of around 120 sixth form students. Since I started college, one thing I did constantly throughout that time was tutored secondary school students for maths and science, as well as adults studying functional skills. Through doing that around 10 years ago I met my current manager who approached me to become the early careers advisor at PD Ports. She felt I would be the right person for the role as she know how passionate I am about helping young people succeed in their chosen career.
What do you enjoy about your job?
I get to host weekly drop in sessions with our apprentices and I get to be their advocate and help them with issues they’re having.
What skills have served you well in your career?
My communication skills have probably been my biggest strength. Plenty of my school reports said I would do so much better if I didn’t talk so much, but it’s helped me thrive in most of my roles.
What advice would you give to current Acklam Grange students about their future?
Don’t be afraid to change your mind. It’s okay not to have your whole life figured out, you’re on your own path, it’s your timeline. You’re also going to be working for a long time, you might as well be doing something you enjoy.
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