A UNIQUE opportunity for Year 11 students to meet Cumbrian employers, sixth forms, further and higher education representatives along with apprenticeship and training providers, all in one place is taking place.

The Our Future Virtual Careers Fair will be held online Wednesday, October 20 between 1.30 pm-6.30 pm, enabling students to find out about post 16 career options and make connections with local employers they are interested in.

The event is being organised by Inspira in partnership with Hello Future and Cumbria Careers Hub. Additional funding has been provided by Box Encapsulation Plant Project Team.

Deborah Naylor, Area Operations Manager at Inspira said: “This is a unique opportunity to showcase the breadth and depth of employment opportunity in this diverse county. We’re anticipating over 4,500 students will attend, for the chance to meet up to 100 exhibitors, providing a variety of different opportunities for school and college leavers.”

The “Our Future Virtual Careers Fair” will consist of five main zones: The Main Lobby is where students, parents and carers can access impartial careers information, advice and guidance. Within the Apprenticeship and Training Providers zone, there will be opportunities to meet local apprenticeship and skills training providers such as RWP, Gen 2 and System People.

All the Cumbrian colleges will be attending, along with representatives from higher education in the Further Education & Higher Education zone. A Sixth Form zone to help clarify A-levels and other qualifications on offer at each institute. Finally, an Employer zone where students can access medium and large Employers, who offer post 16 opportunities such as apprenticeship roles or traineeships.

Students and their parents or carers will have the chance to meet exhibitors, network, discuss opportunities and attend live talks.

Abbie Rawlinson, Director of PSHE Careers and Guidance at Furness Academy said: “We are excited to be able to offer our students the opportunity to take part in the Our Future Virtual Careers Fair, giving them insights to future opportunities available. It is fabulous that students can access such a varied range of exhibitors to help make informed decisions about their future career ambitions.”

To access the event, schools, students, parents or carers need to register at www.cumbriacareersfair.co.uk.