Learning for Life Annual Careers Fair

Case Studies
Prepare - Skills
Learning for Life Annual Careers Fair

Prepare - Skills

A Partnership between

Learning for Life Annual Careers Fair

Intent

For many learners, choosing the right next step after school or college can feel overwhelming. To build confidence and ensure learners are well-prepared, it is vital that they are exposed to a wide range of careers, pathways, and opportunities. The annual Careers Fair offers learners direct access to employers, universities, apprenticeship providers, and professional bodies. This creates a safe yet professional environment where learners can practise networking, explore different industries, and gain clarity about their future plans.

Implementation

Held annually at LDE UTC, the Careers Fair attracts over 40 organisations representing sectors such as engineering, digital, finance, health, media, construction, and higher education. Learners prepare in advance by researching exhibitors and drafting questions. On the day, they move between stands, engaging in one-to-one conversations, collecting resources, and learning about entry routes including apprenticeships, degrees, and employment. Employers also conduct workshops on CV writing, interview preparation, and workplace behaviour.

Impact

Learners leave with practical insights into career options and a clearer understanding of their personal strengths and interests. They practise essential professional behaviours such as introducing themselves, asking purposeful questions, and confidently presenting their skills. Many learners secure follow-up opportunities, including work experience placements, mentoring, or invitations to industry events. The fair also strengthens links between the school and industry, creating a pipeline of opportunities for future cohorts.

Learner Quote:

“Speaking directly to employers and universities really boosted my confidence. I discovered new career paths I hadn’t considered before and learnt how to present myself professionally. It gave me a clearer idea of the steps I need to take for my future.”

Teacher Quote:

“It was inspiring to see our learners approach industry experts with such confidence. The fair gave them a safe but professional space to practise networking skills, ask insightful questions, and connect their learning to real opportunities. The growth in self-assurance was remarkable.”

Employer Quote:

“We were impressed by how well-prepared the learners were, and the level of curiosity they brought to our conversations. Engaging with young people at events like this not only helps them plan their next steps but also gives us confidence in the future talent pipeline. It’s a partnership that benefits both sides.”

Further key concepts

Whilst the main aim was to prepare learners for future pathways by providing direct contact with employers, universities, and training providers, the activity also reinforced a broad range of employability and personal development skills. Learners practised professional communication and networking, improved their CV and interview techniques, and gained awareness of sector-specific pathways and entry requirements. The event also promoted self-reflection, helping learners to assess their strengths, transferable skills, and areas for development, and to plan their next steps with greater clarity. By integrating these experiences into a real-world context, the Careers Fair made employability skills meaningful, memorable, and directly applicable to learners’ immediate futures.

Industry Skill	Pastoral Key Concept (Learning for Life – Employability & Careers)
Professional networking and workplace behaviours.	Confidence in professional communication; practising workplace etiquette.
Insights into sector-specific pathways and progression routes.	Awareness of career pathways; research into entry requirements.
Recruitment and employability expectations.	CV development; interview preparation; understanding employer expectations.
Realistic entry requirements for apprenticeships, degrees, and technical careers.	Decision-making skills; planning realistic next steps.
Guidance on transferable skills valued by employers.	Self-awareness of strengths; identifying and applying transferable skills.