More than 50 local and national employers attended a busy careers afternoon at Hadley Learning Community in Telford to give students a flavour of opportunities available on their doorstep.
More than 700 students got chance to learn more about a wide range of job roles, from the media to the military, plus legal and finance, IT, hospitality, manufacturing, health, social care, sport, and much more.
There was also advice on offer about progression to the next stage of education, from sixth forms, further education colleges, training providers and universities.
The event was open to students from years 9, 10 and 11, who were given an ‘interaction card’, encouraging them to have meaningful conversations with as many exhibitors as possible.
Claire Lockley, careers and work experience administrator at HLC, organised the event with the school’s careers event co-ordinator Lucy Phillips, and careers lead Sam Wynne.
She said: “This has been a great opportunity for students and their families to ask direct questions and explore potential pathways they could follow. We are extremely grateful to all of the organisations who have taken time out to support us.
“Events like these are a perfect chance to show students a wide-ranging and diverse snapshot of the world of work and study, and get them thinking about their future plans – whether that be further education, apprenticeships or full employment.
“They also offer a wonderful opportunity to meet external providers they may not have encountered otherwise.”
Among the local employers at this year’s event were local employers such as Epson, Muller, Busch UK, McPhillips, Purple Frog, Howmet Fasteners, Wrekin Housing Group and Coverage Care, plus motor dealers Furrows.
There was also information on offer about careers in the media from BBC Shropshire, and advice on legal or accountancy careers from Lanyon Bowdler, WR Partners, and Dyke Yaxley.
Education providers supporting the event included Telford College, North Shropshire College, Shrewsbury Colleges Group, Reaseheath College, and universities from Keele, Chester, Worcester, Wolverhampton, Staffordshire, and Harper Adams, plus Thomas Telford, Newport Girls’ High, William Brookes, Madeley Academy, and Codsall Community College.