Future First Expo : Offering a helping hand with careers options

Advice about careers, training and education was on offer at the busy Future First Expo.

More than 50 businesses, education providers and organisations attended the event at the Lady Eastwood Pavilion, Newark Showground.

Sponsored by British Sugar, the expo was organised by Newark and Sherwood District Council, Lincoln College Group, and the Advertiser Media Group.

More than 800 students from secondary schools attended.

Members of the public also sought advice and information at the free event held on Thursday of last week.

The apprentices sharing their experience and expertise included Mr Luke Jones, 20, a mechanical engineer for British Sugar.

“When I was at school I didn’t want to go down the generic university route,” he said.

“I joined British Sugar 3½ years ago and it appealed because I could earn while I learnt.

“I never knew that I could learn as much as I have done.”

The event was split into zones — technology, business, education and experience.

Visitors could also attend seminars on topics such as careers in law and accountancy, CV and cover letter writing, and careers with British Sugar.

Both national and local employers were present.

Mr Ryan Smith, a section manager at the Newark branch of Marks and Spencer, said: “We have different entry points: GCSE, A-level and graduate.

“I would have never imagined that I would become a manager, but there is that progression through the company.”

Amy Bell, who works in recruitment at Knowhow, said: “We can offer a whole range of opportunities.

“We take seriously people progressing within the company. We also work closely with Newark College, so recruits can spend some time with them and some time with us.

“There are a lot of roles including warehouse, coaching and supervising.”

Mr Martin Booth, director of education and training at Newark College, said the students gained advice on possible paths in education and employment that they may not have considered.

“These events will open up people’s eyes to the range of options that exist in terms of what their career may be and the range of routes to get them there,” he said.

“They are now aware that they can study higher education in the area of Newark. Hopefully this will inspire them to go through their school years and then stay locally in education or work.”

Julie Reader-Sullivan, business manager (economic growth) at the district council, said: “It was great to see students interacting throughout the day, and the event just shows the diversity of businesses we have in the district.

“It was a great opportunity to show people what we have and what people are able to do.”

Mrs Rachel Wilson, sales and marketing director at the Advertiser Media Group, said: “It was fantastic to see the scale and range of businesses and education providers. This just illustrates the amazing range of opportunities we have in the local area.”