Students explore future pathways at Newry careers fair

More than 1,100 students from nine post-primary schools across Crossmaglen, Kilkeel, Warrenpoint and Newry recently attended a large-scale careers fair held at Newry Leisure Centre.

Hosted by the Newry, Mourne and Down Labour Market Partnership in partnership with the Newry and Mourne Area Learning Community, the careers fair supported young people as they consider future education, training and employment pathways. Labour Market Partnerships are funded by the Department for Communities and create targeted employment action plans for council areas, allowing for collaboration at local and regional level to support people towards and into work.

With 50 exhibitors in attendance on 20 January from a wide range of sectors, students were provided with direct access to employers, further and higher education providers, and training organisations. Attendees had the opportunity to explore apprenticeships, university and college courses, and local employment opportunities, while also gaining valuable insight into the skills and qualifications needed for the modern labour market.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Phillip Campbell, welcomed the strong turnout at the event. "Following on from last year's successful careers fair, it is extremely encouraging to see such a high level of engagement from young people who are keen to learn more about the wide range of opportunities available to them," he said. "This careers fair demonstrates the importance of bringing education providers, employers and support organisations together in one space to help students make informed decisions about their next steps. The partnership with the Newry and Mourne Area Learning Community has added real value to this year's event and the positive feedback from students, teachers and exhibitors speaks for itself."

Aidan McGivern, Principal of St Mark's High School, Warrenpoint and Chairperson of the Newry and Mourne Area Learning Community, highlighted the impact of the collaboration. "Newry and Mourne Area Learning Community was delighted to work once again with the Newry, Mourne and Down Labour Market Partnership to deliver such a successful careers fair," he said. "The event allowed Year 12 students to engage directly with representatives from universities, colleges, employers and training organisations, helping them to better understand the range of pathways available locally, regionally and further afield. Students and staff found the experience extremely informative at this critical stage of educational decision-making, and we are very appreciative of the efforts of all involved in making the event such a success."

Exhibitors on the day included First Derivative, Norbrook, Wood Innovations, NI Electricity, NI Housing Executive, NI Fire and Rescue Services, Construction Industry Training Board, College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Queen's University and Ulster University, among many others.

Students were also able to access one-to-one advice and guidance from local support agencies, including the Careers Service, on topics such as choosing the right pathway, CV writing and interview preparation. Regional further education colleges SERC and SRC, along with the NMD Labour Market Partnership, provided information on training and upskilling opportunities, while Go Succeed advisers were available to speak to those interested in self-employment and starting a business.

Due to its continued success, the careers fair is expected to remain a key annual event supporting young people across the Newry, Mourne and Down district as they plan for their futures.