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The event, held at Kettering Conference Centre, was aimed at year 11, 12 and 13 students who are unsure as to what their next steps will be at the end of this academic year.  The aim of the conference was to expose students to a wide variety of local employers, training providers and local agencies who can offer them opportunities and support.

The students had the opportunity to speak to over 25 exhibitors in the ‘market place,’ got to work on their CV and improving their application writing skills, as well as attending a workshop of their choice from either; Healthcare, Sport, Construction, Business, or The Army. All workshops provided a practical, hands-on experience of what a career in that subject area might entail, as well as information about how to get a career in their chosen area.

With over 300 students attending from 13 schools throughout the day, it was a busy and vibrant event with lots of interaction and engagement.  After attending a session provided by Aimhigher staff in advance of the event in order to prepare students and to provide details about the various progression routes available, the students were all well prepared and asked lots of pertinent and carefully considered questions.

Jamie Bradford from De Montfort University said:

“I found the event to be extremely well organised, the students were well prepared and engaging and it was definitely well worth our while attending.”

Tash from Speakeasy who delivered the Business and proportion of the CV workshops said:

“James and I really enjoyed delivering our workshops at your event today. The students worked extremely hard throughout their bite-sized challenges and gained much from the experience. It was admirable that you managed to stage such an event with so much on offer with such success! Many thanks to Julie and her staff for making us feel so welcome.”

Aimhigher would like to thank the students for their impeccable, mature approach and behaviour; school staff for supporting the event and working hard to make sure as many as possible benefitted from the day and of course, all of the exhibitors and workshop providers that made the day so informative and enjoyable.

We would also like to thank Connexions, NEBP and Kettering Borough Council for their support and contribution to the event; and Kettering Conference Centre for their outstanding hospitality.

When asked what students particularly liked about the day they said:

“The opportunity to see what courses were on offer and to see what else was available.”

“It was useful to have employers and colleges here to help with my future.”

“The stalls because you can talk to people who know what they’re on about.”

Looking to see where I could be at college or university on a few years time.”

“Being able to talk to business people about options for my future.”

“Being able to get my questions answered.”

“It showed me paths I could take to achieve the profession I want.”

“I learnt a lot and the activities helped me to be more confident.”

“The amount of information at hand was incredibly beneficial.”