The Two Counties Trust Careers Fair has become a staple of the academic calendar, with staff, students and guests excitedly returning to Swanwick Hall School for the event. 65 local employers set up stands in the school’s sports hall to spend time and offer advice to an incredible 1,337 students considering their next steps in life.
A variety of organisations attended the event ranging from The Two Counties Trust own Sixth Forms; Swanwick Hall, Wilsthorpe, Friesland and Ashfield Post 16 to recruiters from both the British Army and the RAF who looked to speak to students about careers available in the Armed Forces.
Higher Education was represented with stands from universities from across the U.K. including local universities such as Nottingham, Nottingham Trent and Derby as well as institutions from further afield such as Hull, Leeds and the University of Cambridge.
Local manufacturing and industry also attended the events with students able to speak with employees from companies such as Alstrom, Stepnell, Kier and Lubrizol about how to start a successful career once their educational journeys have finished.
Speaking on their experience of the event, Warrant Officer Kev Heron, British Army said:
‘At the British Army Engagement Team, we really enjoy supporting Schools, colleges and community groups to inspire the next generation of young people through presentations, workshops and course fairs.’
Upon arrival at Swanwick Hall School, students were greeted by a member of the TTCT Careers team who handed students a bag prepared by the team. The bag contained helpful resources such as a booklet detailing exactly which organisations were attending the event and also a stamp card to help students keep track of who they have visited. Both guests and the TTCT Careers Team had worked incredibly hard to ensure that students left the event feeling informed about their options after school.
A number of attendees commented on the attentiveness and positive attitudes of the students in attendance.
Kathleen Gallagher, Schools and Colleges Engagement Lead, University of Derby said:
‘At today’s event, we showcased the courses offered by the University of Derby that focus on Nursing. We have been impressed by the keen attitude towards exploring Higher Education even from students as young as Year 9.’
Dan Bellamy, Head of Friesland Sixth Form also spoke on his experience of the day:
‘It was great to see so many students actively engaging in discussions about their futures. At our Sixth form stand, we had many positive comments about pathways to success!’
Darcy, a Year 11 at Springwell Community College offered a student’s perspective on the event as a student:
‘Today was extremely helpful, all stands gave advice, not just regarding education but also about life. They engaged with those of us who lacked confidence, which was exactly what I needed.’
The careers fair is always a highlight of the TTCT calendar and is only ever made possible by the combined efforts of the TTCT careers team and their organisation the event, our school career leads who help arrange the transportation of students and the hosting of the event and the generosity of the companies, universities and services that attend the event. The event is a testament to what can be achieved when organisations work together for the benefit of students.
Speaking after the event, TTCT Careers Manager Charlotte Beardall spoke:
‘The TTCT Careers Fair was a fantastic success, bringing together employers, training providers and education partners to inspire and inform our students. Events like this are vital in helping young people understand the wide range of opportunities available to them, build meaningful employer connections, and develop the knowledge and confidence needed to make informed decisions about their future careers.’
The Two Counties Trust would like to thank anyone who attended this recent Careers Fair. Your contribution of time and resources goes a long way to enhancing the life choices of our students when they leave school.
