We are thrilled to report on the outstanding success of our annual School Careers Fair on 27th November, which welcomed all school years throughout the day. The event provided an invaluable opportunity for every student to explore a vast and diverse range of career paths, post-16 education, and future training opportunities.

Students engaged directly with representatives from over 40 organisations, gaining crucial Labour Market Information (LMI) and inspiring them to think big about their future.

 

A Fantastic Range of Exhibitors

The fair featured an exceptional mix of local, national, and international employers, as well as leading Further Education (FE) and Higher Education (HE) providers.

Key Employers and Industries

Our students spoke with professionals across vital sectors, highlighting the diverse career paths available:

  • Engineering & Manufacturing: BAE Barrow, Alexander Dennis, Atkins Realis (Civil/Structural Engineer), Leach Steel, and EDF and Morecambe Offshore Wind Farm showcased opportunities in energy and construction.
  • Healthcare & Public Service: The NHS (including Blackpool Teaching Hospitals Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy and NHS UHMBT), Lanes Vets with vet nurse, the Police, and the DWP (Department for Work and Pensions) offered insight into crucial community roles.
  • Finance & Professional Services: Students met with experts from HSBC and Towers & Gornall Accountants, alongside Forbes Solicitors, exploring careers in law and business.
  • Apprenticeships & Training: Students learned about earning and learning with organisations like JTL, Lancaster Training Services, and ASK Apprenticeships.
  • Armed Forces: All three services—the Army, RAF, and Royal Navy—were present to discuss service and technical careers.

Further and Higher Education

Students explored academic routes with top institutions, gathering information on courses and entry requirements:

  • Universities: Lancaster University and the University of Lancashire were on hand to discuss degree options.
  • Further Education Colleges: Colleges specialising in a variety of fields attended, including Blackpool Sixth, Kendal College, Preston College (including a specialist in Theatrical Make-up), Myerscough (land-based studies), LMC (Lancaster and Morecambe College), and Newman College.

 

The Benefits for Our Students

The Careers Fair is a cornerstone of our careers guidance program, providing tangible benefits aligned with the Gatsby Benchmarks:

  1. Direct Encounters with Employers and FE/HE: Students spoke directly with real-world professionals and college/university staff, asking personal questions about pathways and daily work.
  2. Broadening Horizons: By presenting such a wide range of exhibitors—from a STEM Ambassador to Ashbridge Nurseries to BAE Systems—the fair challenged assumptions and introduced careers our students may not have known existed.
  3. Informing Decisions: The event allowed older students to narrow down post-16 choices, while younger students (Year 7) began to understand the purpose of their studies and the skills they need to develop now for their future.
  4. Inspiration and Motivation: Hearing first-hand accounts of career journeys from individuals like the vet nurse from Lanes Vets or the Civil Engineer from Atkins Realis provided powerful motivation and clarity on achieving success.

 

Comments from Exhibitors: 

“Great event - all students were a credit to GCA. Lots of great questions” (B&FC)

“The event was very well organised & the exhibitors were very well looked after. The students were all polite & friendly. The school as a whole seems a very positive & well organised community.” (HSBC)

“This is the most well organised career fair I have attended yet at a school. The event, teachers, students and volunteers were all well organised.  Thank you so much.” (Alexander Dennis)

“It was really busy and students engaged with visitors. Really appreciated the help with equipment from year 11’s.” (Myerscough College) 

“Another well planned event and the pupils were also prepared, some had really good questions and wanted to explore career paths they might not have normally considered.” (JTL)

 

Comments from Parents:

“My son came home buzzing from the careers fair” (Year 7 Parent)

"Thank you for organising the event. My child came away feeling much more informed and motivated about their future options." (Year 11 Parent)

 

Comments from Students:

(Which career areas or exhibitors did you find most interesting and why?)

“I liked the people with activities that link to their job, for example Towers and Gornall had a safe to unlock with maths questions.” (Year 10)

“Forbes Solicitors, I found out different job options in that area” (Year 10)

“Physiotherapy it was very interesting” (Year 11)

“The colleges because I learnt about new colleges and new courses that interest me.” (Year 10)

“I found the University of Lancashire interesting because of the amount of options for degrees.” (Year 7)

“RAF very informative and found out jobs I didn’t know they had.” (Year 11) 

“Rossall Sixth Form because it gave me an explanation on all of their sports opportunities and scholarships.” (Year 9)

“I liked the Preston College stand because they had a lot to offer and explained what levels I needed in order to do that job.” (Year 9)

“Lanes vets. It was interesting because there was lots of information.” (Year 8) 

We extend our sincere gratitude to all the exhibitors who generously dedicated their time and expertise to make our annual careers fair such a success. Your willingness to share your professional insights, answer student questions, and provide engaging displays was invaluable. The event truly benefited from your commitment, offering our students a crucial opportunity to explore diverse career pathways and gain practical advice that will help shape their future decisions. Thank you for your partnership in inspiring the next generation.

Careers Fair 2025