Bright futures: Worthing College hosts inspiring Business Careers Fair

Worthing College was buzzing with excitement, energy and opportunity as students and exhibitors came together for its latest careers event.

The popular event brought employers, universities and training providers onto campus, creating meaningful connections and showcasing a wide range of apprenticeships, job opportunities and career pathways.

Students from the college, along with pupils from St Andrews School and Our Lady of Sion School, had the chance to meet with representatives from employers and organisations.

The businesses and organisations included Rolls-Royce, Nationwide, HM Revenue & Customs, the Army and the University of Sussex – all offering invaluable advice on career paths and future options.

And there was also an opportunity to attend insightful talks delivered by P + O Group, Jacobs Steel and Serve Legal.

Phil Withey, operations director at P + O Brickwork, said events like the fair were crucial for businesses like P + O. He said:

“They’re really important because we get to meet young people, young adults on their careers and understand some of the drivers, that potentially, they’d not necessarily stop at a construction stand, they would go for their more common career routes with a bank, or an insurance company or a council. No, there is so much opportunity within construction.”

Lewis Bowen, HR Learning and Recruitment Coordinator at Paladone, said events like the fair were really good for his business “to help them get out there and speak to people in the area and understanding this is the next generation of people that are going to be coming into the workforce. From an HR side, it’s good to talk to them, what is their expectation of the working world?”

Garry Miles, Head of Operations at Unity Insurance Services, said: “What we are trying to attract is local talent. We are firm believers in growing our own.

“The advice that I would give to any one of the students walking around, is ask a load of questions and seek out that curiosity that they’ve got because that’s why we’re all here really to educate them all.”

Eloise de Kassel, a Student Ambassador at The University of Sussex, said: “I think the students have really been loving it, getting to know the different aspects of what they can actually achieve and opportunities that are there just in this hall, let alone outside of that. I think it’s been pretty valuable to see that.” 

Richard Huck, Senior Account Executive, at Magenta Associates said: “Last summer, someone who attended this very careers fair reached out to us via email and they came and did a two week internship with us.”

Nicky Rogerson, Lecturer in Business, said: “There was a real buzz of excitement and motivation in the hall when walking round the stands listening to chatter and discussion between employers and students going on, and I was proud of how our students engaged. 

“We appreciate three businesses, Serve Legal, P+O Group and Jacobs Steel who gave their time to provide group talks about their industries. I hope the fair inspired students in deciding their next steps and we look forward to forming closer bonds with the businesses.”

For the latest upcoming events and information on apprenticeships please click here.