Brighton: Hundreds of students enjoy career fair

National and international employees were at the Hello Future 2023 careers event held at Brighton Metropolitan College in Pelham Street, Brighton.

The event, held on March 8, had a skills fair, workshops and virtual panel sessions for the A-Level and BTEC students attending.

Students were able to engage in conversations with industry experts as well as further education and careers advisers about the world of work, with a focus on entry level jobs, apprenticeships and graduate programmes.

Volunteers at the careers event in Brighton (Image: Amex)

Brighton and Hove Mayor Lizzie Deane attended and said: “The response from local businesses to come along and participate in this event has been incredible, and it demonstrates just how committed our local business community is to supporting the next generation.”

The event was led by Coast To Capital Careers Hub and the Careers and Enterprise Company in collaboration with American Express and Brighton and Hove City Council.

Colleges and schools in the area including Varndean, Bhasvic and Cardinal Newman attended.

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Penny Daly, Coast To Capital Careers Hub enterprise co-ordinator said: “After having been virtual for the past couple of years, it was great to be able to hold the event in person again.

“It’s been fantastic to see how engaged and enthusiastic the students have been. Today has been a really successful collaboration of organisations and businesses, large and small, breaking down barriers and opening up the world of work to young people.”

A nominated quiet session in the afternoon provided an inclusive experience for students with additional needs.

One of the talks (Image: Amex)

Later in the day, the doors were open to an after-school open evening for teachers, parents, carers, students of all ages and the wider community.

Lucy Fenwick, vice president for customer engagement network Europe at American Express, said: "As a company we believe in supporting a more diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce.

“It's important that all generations feel positive and ambitious about their future prospects and get the opportunity to hear about a range of careers, particularly those they might not have thought attainable."