by Tim Nuttall
A careers event in Withernsea is set to bring together employers, colleges and training providers from across the region, offering young people and local residents a chance to explore future opportunities.
Withernsea High School will host its annual Careers Evening and Futures Fair on Thursday, February 12. While the event is primarily aimed at students and their families, a limited number of places are also being made available to members of the wider community.
Careers leader Viki Foster said: “We are preparing for our most wide-ranging careers evening to date, with more than 40 organisations confirmed to attend. The response has been extremely positive and it is encouraging to see such strong levels of engagement.
“Opening the event to the wider community has proved successful in previous years, giving people of all ages the opportunity to meet representatives locally and engage in meaningful conversations with organisations operating across the Humber region and beyond. We are pleased to continue this approach this year.”
The event will feature a broad range of further and higher education providers, including Wilberforce, Wyke, Bishop Burton, East Riding and Hull colleges, apprenticeship and independent training organisations such as Catch Apprenticeships and HETA (Humber Engineering Training Association), and representatives from the University of Hull.
Employers from sectors ranging from engineering and renewables to health and social care, construction, retail and sport and leisure will also be there. Organisations confirmed include RWE Renewable Energy, Centrica Storage, Tigers Trust, Hull KR Foundation, Holderness Health, Martin Williams (Hull), Tesco and Reckitt. Representatives from Humberside Police, Humberside Fire and Rescue and the Army will also be on hand to discuss careers in public service.
Independent careers guidance will be available throughout the event from organisations including Log On Move On, Skills Hull and East Riding, the Humber Outreach Programme and Women into Manufacturing and Engineering (WiME).
Viki added: “Our Careers Evening and Futures Fair plays a key role in helping students make informed decisions. For our younger students in years seven and eight, the event helps to broaden horizons and spark curiosity about the range of careers that exist beyond the classroom.
“For those approaching GCSE choices in year nine, it provides valuable context around how subjects can link to future pathways.
“Students in years 10 and 11 benefit from direct conversations with colleges, employers and training providers at a crucial stage, as decisions about post-16 destinations become increasingly important. These interactions give them the opportunity to ask questions, build confidence and explore options they may not have previously considered.”
Acknowledging the impact of the annual event, Dr Kirsty Clode, chair of WiME, said: “We always enjoy a lot of varied and positive conversations with young people and their parents and carers in Withernsea. It is a very worthwhile event.”
Yvonne Kershaw, outreach and engagement coordinator with Catch Apprenticeships, added: “It is a great event and a great opportunity to network with other companies and providers.”
Viki added: “Our responsibility to support young people doesn’t stop at the school gates or at the end of year 11. We are proud to extend this opportunity to families and members of the local community, and we are extremely grateful to the organisations who continue to support our careers programme throughout the year.”
Community members wishing to attend can request a place by contacting Viki Foster via email at [email protected] or by telephone on 01964 611545. Places are limited and must be booked in advance.
The event will be held in the school’s main hall and will be open to visitors from 4.30pm to 7.30pm.