MORE than 700 Wirral students discovered work and training opportunities at a careers fair.

The second What Next? Skills Show was held in November and saw 717 Year 10 and 11 students from 15 secondary schools across Wirral given the opportunity to meet and mix with local employers from different industries. 

More than 55 employers, education and training providers gathered at the Hive Wirral Youth Zone, Birkenhead, for the all-day event, which was run by Career Connect on behalf of Wirral Council. 

Cllr Sue Powell-Wilde, Chair of Children, Young People and Education Committee for Wirral Council, said: “Giving our young people the chance to dip their toes into the world of work is so important, as today’s students are our future workforce. 

“The What Next? Skills Show allows young people to make connections with employers and get more information while also giving them an opportunity to ask questions about their future career choices. 

“I’m thrilled that so many young people have been able to take up this offer and attend this event.”

The event gathered employers from a range of local industries including construction, health and life sciences, digital and creative and legal.

Training and education providers included Wirral Met College, local universities and specialist providers of training in sports, media production and performing and creative arts. 

Karen Parry, Chief Operating Officer for Career Connect said: “We were excited to deliver the second What Next? Skills Show on behalf of Wirral Council, building on the strong relationships we have developed with schools, employers, education and training providers.

“It was also fantastic to see lots of new employers from across Wirral, showing the wide range of opportunities available. 

“We should never underestimate the power of a face-to-face encounter with an employer or training provider. We hope that every student went away feeling inspired and more informed about a range of different career paths.”