Kirsty visited Lawley Primary School in Telford
Career fairs provide excellent networking opportunities for everyone involved and help businesses connect with future generations … and here’s why we (and you should!) get involved …
Recognition – Shropshire Chamber Award
After winning the Business and School Engagement Award at the Shropshire Chamber Business Awards this year for our work with schools and children, we continue to support both primary and secondary schools with career information.
Winning any award is always a huge stamp of credibility for your business, we’re bound to say it but the positive PR you gain from it is invaluable.
Out and About
Here’s some examples of what we’ve been up to lately in the education sector:
- Last week, Kirsty visited Lawley Primary School in Telford to talk about being a journalist as part of the year six journalism module. She even gave a demonstration of shorthand, with which all the pupils were fascinated.
- In October, we had a queue of future journalists and PR consultants wanting to talk to us at the Haberdashers Adams Grammar careers fair – and we’re already booked in for next year!
- Rhea will be giving a lecture at the University of Shrewsbury in January to give students an introduction to journalism and discuss career paths. She will also be hosting a workshop there.
The benefits to your business
There are endless reasons why getting involved at career fairs and working with schools are a positive for you and your business, including:
- Inspire – If you run a business, you can help students in both primary and secondary schools to understand more about your career and inspire them to follow in your footsteps.
- CSR Benefit – Including education support as part of your corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme and marketing strategy not only brings benefits to the future generations but also to your business right now.
- Improve your profile – You can increase your brand awareness and get your name out there.
- Find new staff – You are letting the next generation of employees know what you do, you might even want to hire them!
- Marketing boost – You will also likely get your name, logo and website attached to marketing materials sent out by the school or university.
- Networking opportunity – You will also be able to network with other companies taking part in the career fair and meet other professionals who share similar values to yourself about introducing students to new careers … network while you work!
Now is certainly the time to sign up to a career fair or similar event, with many taking place in schools across Shropshire’s schools and colleges throughout the school year.
Have a look at this list below to see which ones might suit you and your company. Contact shelley.robinson@shropshire.gov.uk if you can help.
November 2019
27th The Grove School, Market Drayton, 8.30 pm to 3pm, all years. Promote your business and your opportunities by having a stand and speaking to students about your company.
28th Lakeslands Academy, Ellesmere, 4.30pm to 6.30pm, Years 9, 10, 11. Promote your business and your opportunities by having a stand and speaking to students about your company.
December
5th St Martin’s School, Oswestry, 1.30pm to 3pm, Year 8. To act as judges for a National Enterprise Challenge day and pick a winning team from the best presentation.
11th The Community College, Bishop’s Castle, 2pm to 3pm, Year 9. Employers and employees to talk about employer expectations in the workplace, acceptable behaviour and employability skills.
16th Ludlow CE School, Ludlow, 1.25pm to 3.25pm, Years 8 to 11. Interactive activity encouraged.
January 2020
16th The Corbet School, Baschurch, 8.45am to 10am, Year 8. Guest speakers working in non-stereotypical roles to talk about their job roles and any challenges they have faced.
22nd Ludlow CE School, Ludlow, 9am to 12:45pm, Year 9. Speed-Networking event.
28th Church Stretton School, Church Stretton, 1:10pm to 3:10pm, Year 8. Speed-Networking event.
29th Ludlow CE School, Ludlow, 9am to 12:45pm, Year 9. Speed-Networking event.
29th The Community College, Bishop’s Castle, 2pm to 3pm, Year 9. Employers and employees to talk about what subjects they studied and what career path they have taken since. Date is flexible.
January – March, The Marches School, Oswestry, 1:15pm to 1:45pm, every week for one term, one day a week for Year 8. To engage year 8 pupils in STEM, employability or careers activities and do a longer project, such as a mock up of a project you do at work.
February 2020
Dates to be confirmed for The Priory School, Shrewsbury, for Year 9 workshops on careers in science. People who work in science based jobs to go into Year 9 science classes to talk to pupils considering their option choices about their careers and answer questions.
5th Shrewsbury Town Football Ground, Shrewsbury, 3pm to 7pm. Year 10 and above. This is the main Shropshire Apprenticeship event.
6th The Corbet School, Baschurch, 12:15pm to 1:30pm, Year 7. To reinforce the work done in class on career sectors and pathways, the school would like speakers to come in from medical, law, education and finance.
March 2020
2nd Thomas Adams School, Wem, Years 12 and 13. A careers fair to showcase local and national career paths and opportunities. All employers welcome, particularly disability confident employers.
2nd Shrewsbury Colleges Group, Shrewsbury, 9am to 4pm, Years 12 and 13. Employers are invited to spend 1 hour with students on a small group basis to promote their careers / opportunities. Session includes a presentation and Q & A.
4th Shrewsbury Colleges Group, Shrewsbury, Year 12. A careers fair to showcase local and national career paths and opportunities. All employers welcome, particularly disability confident employers.
4th The Marches School, Oswestry, 8:40pm to 3pm, Year 7. A day of speed networking.
5th Meole Brace School, Shrewsbury, 9:05am to 10:05am, Year 8. Particularly looking for employers /employees from Art and Design, Research Science and Media to talk to selected students about their careers and answer questions.
6th Shrewsbury Colleges Group, Shrewsbury, 9am to 4pm, Years 12 and 13. Employers are invited to spend 1 hour with students on a small group basis to promote their careers / opportunities. Session includes a presentation and Q & A
19th Idsall School, Shifnal, Year 10. An employer to talk about interview skills, and what employers are looking for and then interactive time with pupils.
19th William Brookes School, Much Wenlock, 2:10pm to 3:10pm, Year 12. Broadening the horizons of students who are looking to go into employment or apprenticeships after A Levels. Employers from sectors that take on school /college leavers and offer apprenticeships.
20th The Grove School, Market Drayton, 8.30pm to 3pm, Year 10. A day of speed networking.
25th The Community College, Bishop’s Castle, 1:45pm to 3:25pm, Year 8. Speed-Networking event.
May 2020
5th Idsall School, Shifnal, morning, Year 10. Inspirational Assembly followed by workshops. Suggestions for sectors based on pupils’ interests: Animal Care, Health, Engineering, Sport, Media, Practical, Armed Forces.
June 2020
19th The Community College, Bishop’s Castle, 9am. Year 10. A full day or part of a day. Pupils will have prepared a CV in advance for interview practice.
26th The Marches School, Oswestry, Year 10. Speed-Networking Event and interactive workshops.
Any dates The Corbet School, Baschurch. The school is particularly looking for business people working in Art & Design, Music and Drama, who could talk about their careers.
