Higher Education, Careers and Employability Fair at Stanmore College

Stanmore College hosted an annual careers fair on Tuesday, 30th April. The intention was to ensure that the College’s students are fully informed and motivated to progress to the best of their potential on the right path to the right career for them. These occasions are a great opportunity for both students and employers/HE, Apprenticeship and Volunteering organisations to meet and talk first-hand.

Exhibitors included a number of universities such as The University of Portsmouth, Brunel University, Hertfordshire University, Middlesex University, De Montfort University, City University, and the University of Greenwich among others. In addition, a wide range of employers and public services were present such as the Royal Navy, British Army, London Fire Brigade, Hospitals and Foundation Trusts, Bupa, Nurseries, Sports’ organisations, Harrow Council Xcite Team, Healthcare product providers and, gap year and volunteer organisations such as Frontier, The Challenge and Camp America. Of course Stanmore’s own Higher Education and Apprenticeship Team staff were on hand to share progression opportunities at the College also.

The atmosphere was electric with students chatting excitedly to their colleagues and exhibitors as they made their way around the crowded sports’ hall. Laughter exuded as some students lack of geographical knowledge came to the fore when discussing university locations with respective professionals. Perhaps next year the College could situate London ones under ‘Home’ and all other universities under ‘Away’ to save any students from blushing!

It was encouraging to see large numbers of students engaging in conversation with employers, HE providers and Gap Year organisations from all parts of the UK. Many students had taken on board advice relating to the type of questions they could ask to obtain the knowledge they would need to make choices moving forward which had been covered in tutorials with Stanmore staff prior to the event.

Feedback indicated that exhibitors had highly rated the event and felt it had been of benefit to the students (which the students themselves seconded). They were impressed by the constant flow of students who interacted well. Some commented on the wide variety of questions that students asked. The University of Northampton’s exhibitor noted the diverse and keen cohort of students from a wide variety of courses. Others commented on the positive and inspirational atmosphere. London Fire Brigade’s representative commented on the strong staff presence and, in particular, how supportive and approachable staff had been.

Feedback from students and their teachers indicated that that they had found the event beneficial and enjoyed chatting to representatives from an impressive array of organisations.

Stanmore College provided information about its own Higher Education qualifications – HNCs and HNDs which can offer a route for students into ‘top up’ degrees, on which qualifying students can join an honours degree at university in the final year and Foundation degrees.

The College’s Careers Guidance team, a professional careers service accredited to the Matrix quality standard for information, advice and guidance, was on hand to provide advice and arrange additional meetings as required.

The College is grateful to all exhibitors who took the time to attend the event and help students.