More than 500 children from 10 Cambridgeshire schools participated in a dynamic careers fair designed to spark curiosity and broaden horizons about future job opportunities. The event, part of National Careers Week, brought together students aged 9–11 for a series of hands-on activities at Cambridge Regional College.
A Window into Diverse Industries
Students engaged in practical sessions across various sectors, including:
- Hydrology challenges with Mott MacDonald
- Engineering pathways with WSP
- Healthcare careers with Cambridge University Hospitals
- Sustainability in food and farming with G’s Fresh
These activities provided a real-world insight into potential career paths, helping students discover opportunities right on their doorstep.
Event Highlights and Leadership
The fair was opened by Cambridge City Council leader Cllr Cameron Holloway, alongside Anne Bailey, CEO of Form the Future, and Laura Kerry, vice principal at Cambridge Regional College. Funded by the Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP), the event also included an afternoon session for college students to connect with local employers.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Laura Kerry emphasized the importance of early career exposure: "It is a fantastic opportunity to engage those from primary age education upwards with local employers, highlighting the wide range of career opportunities available across Cambridgeshire and beyond."
Cllr Holloway added: "To achieve a fairer future for our city, we must provide every child growing up in and around Cambridge with access to real opportunity... It was lovely to see all the children having a great morning, and learning at the same time."
Broader Impact and Community Engagement
The fair's format allowed for multiple engagement opportunities throughout the day:
- Morning sessions for primary school students
- Afternoon sessions for college students
- Public access from 4pm for job seekers
This approach ensured that employers could connect with future workforce generations while also engaging with current job seekers in the community.
Breaking Down Career Stereotypes
One key focus of the event was addressing early-formed ideas about careers. By exposing children to diverse job types through interactive experiences, the fair aimed to show that any career path could be for them, regardless of background or preconceptions.
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