Careers fairs offer opportunities to explore apprenticeships, jobs and careers in Greater Cambridge

Cllr Elisa Meschini talks about the benefits of apprenticeships

Apprenticeships, Jobs & Careers Fairs being held in March are the ideal place for young people and adults looking to find apprenticeships, jobs and to explore different career routes.

Visitors to the fairs will be able to meet with a wide range of employers from multi-nationals to SMEs who are recruiting now and in the months ahead.

The fairs – being held on 5 March in Cambridge and 7 March in Huntingdon – are delivered by Cambridge Regional College as part of a project with Form the Future and funding from the Greater Cambridge Partnership.

Nearly 40 employers are already signed up including; Coveris, Huntingdonshire District Council, Royal Air Force, The Mind Palace, Price Bailey, Encocam, Clearly Education and North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust.

The fairs offer attendees the opportunity to explore different career routes and options with local employers whether they are starting out in their career, getting back into work, looking to change their career or progress to the next step. The college’s careers advice team will be on hand to help with information, advice and guidance, a service that anyone can access to help explore their next career goals and the steps to get there.

Mo Horan, Director of Employer Engagement CRC, said:

“Whether you are a 16yrs+ student looking at next steps or an adult keen to explore ways to develop or change your career, the Careers Fairs offer plenty of inspiration.

“As we enter National Apprenticeship Week, it is great time to highlight the many apprenticeship opportunities our region holds. We have been working with the Greater Cambridge Partnership and Form the Future for many years in building apprenticeship opportunities and supporting employers in utilising apprenticeships in their staff development activities.

“With such a variety of local employers from across East Anglia exhibiting there are opportunities to suit everyone. Last year over 60 employers exhibited and with the fairs growing year-on-year we look forward to welcoming even more in March for our local community to connect with.”

This week also marks National Apprenticeship Week – which celebrates the achievements of apprentices and the impact they make. More than 800 new apprenticeships and more than 10,000 students have been connected with employers through the GCP’s skills programme.

Cllr Elisa Meschini, Chair of the Greater Cambridge Partnership, said:

“Greater Cambridge is a great place to start your career from the very hi tech to the vital services required to help the area function. The great thing is the opportunities are open for everyone, from young people looking to take their first step in their careers through to experienced workers who want to learn new skills or try something different.

“The Apprenticeships, Jobs and Careers Fairs – part funded by us at the GCP and expertly delivered by CRC – is part of our commitment to help people learn more about the career choices available to them while boosting apprenticeships and supporting economic growth.

“I am sure the careers fairs will offer a great chance for people to find out about the wonderful opportunities on offer in our growing region.”

Every state school student in Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire has been offered support from Form the Future, with support from GCP. Form the Future hosted a successful Apprentice Fair at Impington Village College, seeing nearly 1200 students from 14 schools who met with 26 employers offering apprenticeships at the end of January.

Anne Bailey, Chief Executive Officer, Form the Future, said:

“GCP’s investment in skills and apprenticeships in greater Cambridge has made it possible for every young person at state schools in greater Cambridge to learn about apprenticeships and prepare for their future careers. Events like these at CRC Cambridge and Huntingdon offer an excellent opportunity for employers to meet prospective employees and for young people to learn about the exciting careers on their doorstep.”

Details of the fairs:

Tuesday 5th March – Cambridge Apprenticeships, Jobs & Careers Fair, 4:00pm-6:00pm, Cambridge Regional College, Cambridge Campus, Kings Hedges Road, Cambridge, CB4 2QT.

Thursday 7th March - Huntingdon Apprenticeships, Jobs & Careers Fair, 4:00pm-6:00pm, Cambridge Regional College, Huntingdon Campus, California Road, Huntingdon, PE29 1BL.

Entry is free for everyone. Anyone interested in attending the 2024 Apprenticeships, Jobs and Careers Fairs can book their place at Apprenticeships Jobs and Careers Fairs - Cambridge Regional College (camre.ac.uk).

The project also includes a Primary Careers Fair, for local primary school children to attend in groups with the school, run by Form the Future on the morning of the 5th March in Cambridge. Designed to inspire future workforce generations and expose them to the multitude of career routes and pathways available to them in the region.

The fairs are also free for exhibitors who can recruit from an extensive pool of local talent. Exhibitors can book at www.camre.ac.uk/jobs-fair-exhibit or email events@camre.ac.uk