Representatives of more than 40 Oxfordshire employers met potential employees of the future at a two-day Careers Fest event. Among those from 10 key sectors taking part were British Gas Business, STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, The Royal Navy and hosts MINI Plant Oxford.
More than 1300 Year 11 and 6th form students from 10 Oxfordshire schools were invited to talk to employers and to âhave-a-goâ at a range of job-related skills activities.
Hayley Monks, Head of Energy Operations, Corporate Markets for British Gas Business, said: âAs a leading British company and one of the largest apprenticeship providers in the UK, British Gas has a 200-year history of investing in jobs and skills in communities across the UK. We’re really pleased to be able to support an event like this, and showcase some of the opportunities that young people can access within British Gas.”
Also among the exhibitors was Isis Training, who count London-Oxford Airport-based firm Eurocopter UK among those they recruit apprentices for. Isis Trainingâs Chris Clarke says: âCareers Fest is an ideal event for students to research potential careers.” Eurocopter UK apprentice, Dan Hazell, says: “It’s been a great opportunity to meet potential apprentices and to tell them our story.”
Simon Farrall, head of training for BMW Group UK, said: “We are delighted to support Careers Fest at Plant Oxford for a second year. Investment in young people is a key part of our development strategy.”
The ‘Have A Go’ Careers Fest on the 5th and 6th of February at MINI Plant Oxford was organised by Oxford City Learning to support students in considering and understanding a full range of education and career pathways.
Event Director, Alison Robb-Webb, says: “This has been a real partnership event thanks to all those involved in Oxford City Learning. It demonstrates the importance we all see in giving schools and students an opportunity to find out firsthand about the skills, attributes and qualifications required by employers.”
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Founder supplier of a monthly business page in The Oxfordshire Guardian newspaper.
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Commentator for The Herald series newspaper.