EDGE Careers Fair inspires next generation
- 11.01.2019
Local students from Huntingdon were challenged and inspired by the wide range of careers opportunities being showcased at EDGE’s annual Careers Fair at Wood Green.
Over 400 students from five Huntingdonshire secondary schools attended the Careers Fair and visited a range of interactive stands from 60 local businesses to find out about the range of options, sectors and jobs available to them in the future.
Representatives from a range of sectors – including science, construction, manufacturing, engineering, digital and creative, agricultural technologies, business, hospitality, third sector and volunteering – provided opportunities for the students to try tasks and gain a better understanding of some of the job roles being recruited locally. There was also information, support and advice on further education and the training and skills needed for different professions.
Victoria Denny-Morley, EDGE Co-ordinator and Skills Lead for Urban&Civic, said:
“This year’s Careers Fair was a great success, with many local businesses taking up the opportunity to engage and inspire the next generation. All the exhibitors made a real effort to include interactive elements on their stands, which was appreciated by the students who were able to have a much more hands on experience than more conventional careers events. There was a real sense of excitement to the day, with the vibrant atmosphere enhanced by AV Xperts DJ decks.”
Most popular among the activities was an interactive quiz from Anglian Water, bridge building with Breheny, and Wilmott Dixon & Select Plant Hire’s virtual reality experiences that gave students the opportunity to operate cranes and review architectural models. There were also interactive opportunities with iMET’s 3D printing, a Live Crystal Maze dome from University Centre Peterborough and a chance to see the inner workings of a formula 1 racing car, thanks to Cambridge Regional College. Urban&Civic, master developer for Alconbury Weald and Wintringham, St Neots, also attended to highlight the company’s ambitious programmes to support and attract young people into construction and engineering careers on their doorstep.
The annual Careers Fair is just one part of EDGE’s ongoing engagement between schools and businesses, to help equip the next generation with the skills they need and ensure a talented pipeline of future employees for businesses in the region to help companies and the economy to grow.
Sami Page from Willmott Dixon Construction said:
“The EDGE Careers Fair was a great opportunity for us to connect with children from a number of schools in the area and showcase what we do. With a wide range of industries from different sectors, it was as interesting for us as it was for the students it was intended for!”