Over 1500 Students Explore Career Opportunities at Newry Event

A major careers fair hosted by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has successfully connected over 1500 local students with potential employers and educational institutions. The event, held at Newry Leisure Centre on 21 January brought together students from 12 post-primary schools across Newry, Crossmaglen, Kilkee and Newtownhamilton.

More than 50 exhibitors participated in the fair including First Derivative, Viltra, Norbook, Wood Innovations, Collins Aerospace, NIE, NIHE, NI Bodyshop Alliance, Re-Gen, BT and CAFRE. Queen's University and Ulster University also provided information about higher education pathways.

The event was organised through the Newry, Mourne and Down Labour Market Partnership (NMD LMP), with funding from the Department for Communities. This year the fair collaborated with the Newry and Mourne Area Learning Community for the first time.

Speaking at the event, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Pete Byrne said, "It is fantastic to see so many young people in attendance as the Careers Fair eager to find out more about the variety of opportunities available to them as they progress through their school years and plan for their next steps.

"Newry, Mourne and Down Labour Market Partnership was delighted to host this Careers Fair in partnership with the Newry and Mourne Area Learning Community which is a new initiative this year and certainly proved to be very worthwhile given the feedback I received from pupils, teachers, principals and exhibitors alike".

Mr Cormac McKinney, Principal of St Colman's College and Chair of the Newry and Mourne Area Learning Community, said, "The Newry and Mourne Area Learning Community (ALC) was delighted to join with the Newry, Mourne and Down Labour Market Partnership in the very successful Careers Fair.

"The event allowed Year 12 students to engage with representatives from a wide range of further and higher level colleges and universities, employers and training groups. The students found the event to be very informative, which provided many with food for thought at this very important stage of their educational journey. Teachers and members of staff alongside students from schools in the ALC, took the opportunity to hear about the wide range of opportunities which are available locally in terms of training and employment, and the wide range of apprenticeships and third level courses which are available through the regional colleges and universities."

Students received one-on-one guidance from the Careers Service and local support agencies, covering essential skills such as CV writing and interview preparation. Representatives from regional further education colleges SERC and SRC were also present to discuss training opportunities, while the 'Go Succeed' team provided guidance on self-employment options.

The overwhelming positive feedback from all participants has established this collaborative initiative between the Area Learning Community and NMD LMP as a valuable addition to the region's educational calendar.