The annual Solent Skills Festival, hosted by Solent Education and Business Partnership, took place in November at the opulent City Cruise Terminal in Dock Gate 10, Southampton.

Pupils from over 100 local schools attended the event, which was designed to raise awareness of professions, occupational areas and industries, and to help provide guidance on Apprenticeships, Diplomas, GCSE subjects and career choices.

Eastleigh College had 15 information stands at the event including dental nursing, hair and beauty, plumbing, construction, floristry and many more. Each stand had various practical activities to engage pupils and give them a taste of the subject area. Activities included making floral cocktails, face painting, manicures, dance performances and competitions.

Year 11 pupil Helena Cross, from Kings School in Winchester, enjoyed visiting the Eastleigh College construction stand and took part in an activity which involved adding a plank of wood to a model construction of a house using various tools. Helena said:

"It was a fun, interactive activity and has made me think about construction, which isn't a subject I would normally consider."

Mike Driscoll, Deputy Head of Technology at Eastleigh College, said:

"It was a very successful event, and Eastleigh College staff did a great job in ensuring there were plenty of engaging activities for pupils to take part in."

For more information on the range of exciting full-time vocational courses on offer at Eastleigh College, visit the Open Event on Tuesday 15^th November from 4.30-7.30pm or visit www.eastleigh.ac.uk.