On Tuesday 17th October, Okehampton College opened its doors to nearly 30 exhibitors all attending the 3rd annual Okehampton College Careers Fair. This was organised by Romy Lavis and Becky Harvey from the CSW Exeter office, as requested by Okehampton College as part of the provision purchased from CSW Group.
Exhibitors included local and national businesses – Fugro, Atkins Global, EDF Energy, Network Rail, Farmer Luxtons, Moor Training, Gilbert Stephens – solicitors, Army, Navy, Devon Fire and Rescue Service, RAF, Exeter Academy of Music and Sound, University of Exeter, Exeter College, University of Plymouth, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry (Plymouth Uni), Securious – cyber security, Duchy College, University Marjon, Bath Spa University, Cygnet Theatre, Met Office, National Citizen Service, Stags Estate Agents, In addition there were Higher Education and FE College providers as well as the school Post 16 department, to provide impartiality and promote student choice.
The event ran from 8.30am to 1.30pm. Students from Okehampton College from Years 10 to Year 13 were able to access the many exhibitors and get up to date information and advice on possible career ideas. Also, Holsworthy Community College sent students from Year 11 to take advantage of this great event as they are also part of the Dartmoor Federation. Other secondary schools in the Dartmoor Federation were also invited – Queen Elizabeths’ and Tavistock. Approximately 600 students attended the event and feedback on the day was very positive.
Philip Holley from Bath University commented ‘I am really impressed with the students, they have come with a mature attitude and asked thoughtful questions’. Simpkins Edwards, a local accountancy firm, were so impressed with one of the Year 11 Okehampton students that they have given him their details to contact later in the year with a view to an apprenticeship. Many students took advantage of the various exhibitors, and were given a classroom briefing and a programme on the event which included prompts for questions to ask. Students were seen writing notes to aid their decision making and research.
All Okehampton College Year 11’s were also given a triage screening form to indicate their post 16 plans and opt in for a CSW Group appointment. We look forward seeing them throughout the year to provide IAG and build on the information and knowledge they received at today’s great event.
Romy and Becky had a fantastic day at the event seeing all their hard work come together and it also gave them the opportunity to network with all exhibitors and get up to date LMI.
