Over 100 Year 11 pupils from Crestwood College in Eastleigh recently attended a careers event at Eastleigh College, with the aim of improving their employability and learning more about potential career industries.

The day was packed full of workshops and activities for the pupils, including interactive sessions with industry professionals, CV writing workshops and mock interviews. Not only were pupils given the opportunity to learn more about an industry of their choice, they also learned a range of important considerations when applying for a job, from how to sell themselves to what to wear to an interview.

Paul Davis, Managing Director at Debtcol, was on-hand at the event to speak to pupils about Professional services. He said, “There are so many opportunities for young people now, it makes it difficult for them to choose what they want to do. This event opened the students’ eyes to what is available to them, and what sort of skills sets they need to go into business.”

Emma Boxall is one of the pupils from Crestwood School who took part in the event. She chose to attend a workshop on the Care industry, and thought it was a great opportunity to start preparing for life after school, “I didn’t realise how many different jobs there were in that sector, so I found it really interesting. My favourite part was the interview skills workshops.”

Corey Smith attended the Professional services workshop. After school and college Corey wants to study Criminology at University and then become a Police Detective. Commenting on his experience, he said, “It gave an insight into what the world is like once you leave secondary school, and broadens your horizons. I learned that I get nervous under pressure, so when I interview I need to make sure I remember my responses.”

Managing Director of Barter For Things, Alex Barter, was impressed with the work Eastleigh College were doing to encourage young people to think about their career choices. He said, “The ambition at Eastleigh College, especially with the new facilities opening, is extremely exciting. Kids nowadays are looking at up to 10-12 careers in their lifetime, so to get exposure to lots of different options is vital for their futures.”

To find out more about the careers services offered at Eastleigh College, or to discuss similar opportunities for other schools, please call 023 8091 1299.