Careers fair inspires 200 sixth form students

A careers fair aimed at inspiring young people on their next step after further education has been held at South Devon College.

More than 200 sixth form students from local schools and colleges attended the event hosted by MP Anthony Mangnall in association with the college and Heart of the South West Careers Hub.

"It’s been a really tough three years for young people and for employers but the future is looking brighter and there are so many opportunities locally for young people in South Devon,” said Matt Harbour, vice principal at South Devon College.

“The event was about bringing employers together with students, inspiring these young people and saying there is a job, an apprenticeship, or an opportunity for continued education that’s right for you.

"Equally, we want employers to meet our students and see where the opportunities are for recruitment."

Anthony Mangnall, MP for Brixham and part of Paignton in his Totnes and South Devon constituency, agreed about the many opportunities available locally.

He said: “One of things I've found being a member of parliament is that whenever you scratch the surface down here, you find an extraordinary array of brilliant businesses that do all sorts of incredible things both domestically and internationally.

"The purpose of the careers fair was to get people connected with them and understand there are big opportunities within their midst.

"Feedback from employers has been very positive and we hope to make this an annual event."

With more than 40 businesses, organisations and educational establishments attending the careers fair, there was something for everyone.

Georgia Dollar, 18, from Paignton, who is studying tourism at South Devon College, decided to apply to join the Royal Navy.

“I hadn’t thought of it until the careers fair, when I saw the stand. I went online to see what positions were available then spoke to the people on the stand who told me more about the roles."

A Churston Grammar School student who attended the careers fair, said: "I came expecting lots of businesses from the local area, universities as well and getting information about various courses for when I’ve finished my A-levels and it has been really helpful.

"I wasn’t thinking about working in the army before but after listening to the people there, I got a good insight. It’s not what you think it is and there’s a lot more behind it to understand.”

As well as being able to meet employers and businesses, the students were able to get advice on self-employment, apprenticeships, and higher education, as well as receiving guidance on CV writing and other employability skills.

Jacqueline Hobson, enterprise coordinator for Torbay and Plymouth for Heart of the South West Careers Hub, said:” This event provides an exciting opportunity for young people to meet with local employers and training providers, to help with choosing their next steps.”