Hundreds of young people took advantage of the opportunity to meet a wide range of employers under one roof at the succesful Bath Skills Fair last week.
More than 1,500 people aged 15 to 25-years-old headed to the free careers and education event hosted by City of Bath College on 12th March.
They spoke to representatives from a wide range of local and national employers including Rotork, Wessex Water, Ministry of Defence, Babington House, Sirona Care & Health and Miller Construction.
There were more than 25 hands-on activities on offer between midday and 7pm to encourage people to ‘have a go’ at new career ideas such a hairdressing, stonemasonry and even DJ-ing.
Visitors also had the chance to find out about apprenticeships, training, sponsored gap years and voluntary work. They could also talk to careers advisors, get help with their CVs and attend talks and panel discussions focusing on particular industries.
Principal Matt Atkinson said the Skills Fair had been “simply fantastic” and thanked the hard work and commitment of College staff who organised the event.
He said: “It was a huge success with exhibitors, training providers and employers with real jobs available.
“The College’s leadership role in the local skills and education arena is the strongest it has ever been.”
Lots of young people attended a series of talks about creative industries in the digital age to find out about the breadth and depth of career opportunities.
They included Andrew Buffery of Direct Marketing Association explaining that the creative industry was in need of talented young people for positions such as creative director, market researcher and brand manager.
Frank Huttton from Hutton & Co, who has been in marketing/recruitment for 35 years, said: “There are real opportunities for young people in the industry.
“We need young people with the technical ability for an amazing selection of jobs. Digital is the place to be for the future; people can be creative and earn money.
“It’ll be the best career choice they’ll ever make as it’s so varied and they can change direction within the industry.”
Visitors to the event were also able to find out more about what City of Bath College could offer them, including Higher Education study in partnership with leading universities.
There was also street theatre and music from BA1 Records on the main stage. The line-up included The Fade, Where’s Morocco?, Summoned By Ash, Unlucky Number, Phoenix Club and Rhys Coleman.
