Over 1,000 Wirral Students Ignite Career Dreams at Major Skills Show - Explore Engineering, Healthcare & Film!

Students explored career paths in engineering, healthcare, and film-making at a major skills event designed to inspire their next steps.

The What Next Skills Show, held at The Hive Youth Zone in Wirral, welcomed more than 1,000 students from 14 schools across the borough.

Around 60 employers and training providers took part, offering hands-on activities and advice.

Councillor Stephen Bennett, Chair of Wirral’s Children, Young People and Education committee, said: "Giving our borough’s future workers the chance to explore the world of work is so important.

"The What Next Skills Show was an excellent opportunity for young people to interact with various stallholders and activities all centred around their futures and careers.

"From the NHS to film making, nuclear engineering to opticians, a large range of jobs, industries and training providers were available to help young people explore their full potential."

The event was hosted by Career Connect on behalf of Wirral Council, and created an accessible and informative space for young people from mainstream, SEN, and alternative provision settings.

Paul Martin, school liaison at Wirral Met College, said: "It has been a lot busier than we thought it would be – even more so than last year.

"The students seem very interested in everything we offer."

Exhibitors presented interactive and informative displays to engage students and spark their ambitions.

Chloe Elliott, school and colleges operations manager at Career Connect, said: "It was exciting to see the buzz in the room as we welcomed our largest number of students, employers and providers to the 2025 What Next Skills Show.

"We’ve taken on board feedback and ideas each year to ensure that our show really meets the needs of students and schools and creates the best environment for meaningful conversations.

"We’d also like to say a big thank you to all of the employers and providers who showcased the wide range of opportunities across Wirral, and who help make the show what it is."

The event is part of a broader effort to support young people in making informed decisions about their futures and to raise aspirations across the Wirral.