LOOKING ahead to a future career is one of the most difficult but crucial things a teenager has to do, but it can be made easier by a visit to Opportunity Thurrock next month.
The event returns for its third year on 1 October – highlighting the wide variety of options open to young people.
Supported by Thurrock Council, it provides information and advice on careers, training courses and study options with representatives from local, regional and national employers as well as major universities and local colleges, sixth forms and training providers on hand at the Backstage Centre, High House Production Park in Purfleet.
During the day the event concentrates on the young people themselves, but the late afternoon and evening session is aimed at their families – last year over a thousand parents and carers joined their children.
Cllr John Kent, Thurrock Council’s Leader and education portfolio holder, said: “In previous years Opportunity Thurrock has provided invaluable information – it’s far more of a careers fair than a jobs market.
“I have gone previously as a councillor, but also as a parent, and I found the amazing variety of options and the information available really helpful.
He said: “Looking ahead to the world of work and higher education can be a real challenge for young people and events such as Opportunity Thurrock provide them with the information they need to make informed career decisions.
“Not only can they engage with employers and explore possible careers, but they are also able to discover there are many different routes into any career.
“It is important we do all that we can to support them to make the right choices.”
Opportunity Thurrock takes place at the Backstage Centre at High House Production Park in Purfleet.
This year’s event has been divided into two sessions.
The day session is restricted to invited students from across Thurrock’s secondary schools, academies and colleges. They will have the chance to meet with more than 100 exhibitors representing universities, colleges, training providers and employers from across the country. Exhibitors are available to speak directly with young people about their plans and provide them with information which will guide them towards making the right decisions for their career.
Students will also be able to gain first-hand experience of employment by taking part in a range of workshops. The Thurrock careers team will be on hand to provide advice throughout the day.
The evening session, 4pm to 7.30pm, is open to parents and families who will have the chance to find out more about the type of jobs and careers that are available.
This will enable parents to better understand the career opportunities open to their children and an awareness of the best way they can support them as they make their decision.
Every Year 10 student will attend the event during the day – all other students in all Thurrock schools Years 7, 8, 9 and 11 have received invitations to attend the evening session with their parents.
Notes
If you would like to find out more about Opportunity Thurrock please contact John Seal at Thurrock Council on 01375 413646 or [email protected].
Initially parents should contact their children’s school for information.
Anyone wishing to exhibit at the event should contact Emmanuella Olaore [email protected]
Opportunity Thurrock is borough-wide collaborative careers fair
