Hundreds of people had the chance to network with employers at the Bath College Futures Apprenticeship and Jobs Fair, which took place on Wednesday (23rd March).
Over 800 pupils and college students went along with parents and carers to find out about career opportunities at the event
They were able to choose from over 50 stallholders, from a wide range of industries such as travel and tourism, construction, law, healthcare and retail.
There was the chance to try out an ejector seat, brought by QinetiQ, and taste flambéed pineapple from the Bath Hotel and Restaurant School.
Apprenticeships at Rotork, a major employer in the South West, were on hand to speak to people and brought in an actuator to display.
Bath Mayor William Sandry visited the event and had a go at stonemasonry with the help of Bath College apprentice Michael Colston.
He said: “The Apprenticeship and Jobs Fair was a genuinely impressive event. It was great to see such a diversity and quantity of both local and national employers, all of whom had good quality apprenticeships on offer to the visitors.
“The event was very well attended and all the visitors were able to talk to existing apprentices who all seemed enthusiastic, engaged and happy in their roles and were great ambassadors for apprenticeship programmes.”
As well as speaking to stallholders, visitors had the chance to take part in mock interviews and listen to several short talks.
A number of experience placements and interviews were offered on the day.
The government has a target to recruit three million apprenticeships by 2020, and during the event, Bath College hosted the Ambition 2020 torch.
Katherine Lusty, from the Co-operative food store in Radstock, said: “Today wasn’t all about offering jobs, it was about educating people about what else is available in retail – not just stacking shelves and working on tills, but the varied career paths in finance, logistics and HR, as well as general retail.”
Employability officer Lucy Beattie said the event had helped introduce apprenticeships to students and dispel some of the myths surrounding them.
She said: “It was a great networking opportunity and there was a real buzz around the college. The employers gave really positive feedback and benefitted from speaking to a huge number of people.
“Parents were scouting for opportunities for their children and plenty of links were made between employers, the college and visitors.
“Several people at the fair were offering higher-level apprenticeships, up to degree and masters level, showcasing what is on offer in our community.”