Careers Fair

The Careers Fair is one of the highlights of our entire careers programme. We call it our ‘opportunities marketplace’ because it is a chance for every student in years 9, 10 and 11 to chat informally with representatives from post-16 education and training providers and local organisations and employers.

This year we welcomed forty-three providers, who set up their stalls in the sports hall, including representatives from local colleges and universities, training providers and employers.

The students spent time browsing, chatting and collecting information about the various options available to them after they leave Ridgeway.

They spoke with representatives from:

• sixth forms – A levels, T levels and BTECs
• further education colleges – work-related qualifications, pre-apprenticeship pathways and T levels
• specialist colleges and training providers – courses and apprenticeships to gain qualifications for a specific career
• universities – degree courses, degree apprenticeships and postgraduate qualifications
• employers – training programmes for specific job roles and volunteering opportunities

Careers leader Miss Cotter said:

“Our Careers Fair is particularly important because it is a fantastic way of enabling students to find out lots of information quickly and to see the range of possibilities that are on offer after they leave Ridgeway, perhaps opening the door to a future they had not previously envisioned.

“It is also great for helping them to build their confidence by meeting student and workplace role models and chatting with representatives of businesses and education and training providers.

“Our award-winning careers programme is all about empowering students, helping them to make informed choices and to aspire to achieve ambitious and fulfilling career goals.”