Switching the time of a career fair from the evening to during the school day has been a resounding success for hundreds of pupils and dozens of local Swindon employers.
Lydiard Park Academy usually holds its Careers and Futures Fair in the evening but this year, as a trial event, it held the event during the school day and saw around 600 students joining dozens of local employers, universities and colleges for a showcase of exciting career and education options.
The event took months to organise with dozens of exhibitors attending to promote careers in IT, financial services, the automotive industry, the NHS, the armed forces and construction, among many others, alongside several universities and colleges.
Mark Godley, Careers and Futures Lead, Lydiard Park Academy said: “Our Careers and Futures Fair provides students with the opportunity to explore various career paths, areas of further study, interact with professionals and gain insights into the skills required in different industries. This exposure can be incredibly beneficial in helping them make informed decisions about their future.
Forging a connection between students' education and the wider opportunities available to them definitely helps to raise their aspirations. Our event has taken months of planning but the positive impact makes it all very worthwhile and due to the success of this year’s daytime event we will definitely be embedding the new timings into the school calendar from now on.”
Emma Newton, Talent Engagement Specialist, Dick Lovett Group said: “Lydiard Park is a great school to work with at careers events. The students seem to really understand the value of the careers fair, and the opportunity to speak to employers, so are very respectful. The events at LPA are always very well organised, the structure and timings are always well thought out, and the day always runs smoothly.
Dick Lovett was happy to attend the Careers and Futures Fair in October and had very engaging conversations with young people who are looking for Apprenticeships in the near future. It was great to have so many companies in one room for the students to discuss various career paths. We enjoyed the opportunity to showcase what the automotive industry has to offer!”
Pupil quotes:
Henry – Year 13
“The event was a great insight into future opportunities which has provided me with a better foundation of knowledge which I will take with me moving forward when applying for my next steps following sixth form. It is always interesting talking to new people and discovering the nature of their work.”
Jesse Bell – Year 12
“To have so many businesses, universities and colleges in one place was really helpful and allowed me and my friends to go and chat with many of them.
I also took the time to see if there were any work experience opportunities available. A great event.”
Darcy – Year 11
“It was interesting to see an insight into various companies. They gave us advice on what employers are looking for and I found that really useful. They discussed the type of industry they work in. What I also enjoyed was the mixture of Business, Colleges and Universities. I now have a better insight into applying for jobs in the future.”
Olive McAbendroth – Year 10
“The careers event was great and I was happy to be a part of it. It opened my mind to the different routes and options that are there for me. I found the event very useful.”
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