The Annual EKC Canterbury College Careers and Progression Fair took over ‘The Street’ for two days, giving students and the local community the chance to connect with employers, explore career opportunities, and gain valuable advice on their next steps.
With a range of organisations in attendance, visitors had the chance to learn more about job roles, apprenticeships, self-employment, and higher education. Employers and education providers were on hand to offer guidance on routes into different industries, helping attendees understand their options and make informed decisions about their futures.
Visitors engaged directly with professionals from a wide range of industries. Representatives from Kent Police, the Army, Morgan Sindall Construction, Rosemont Care, and more, spoke about career pathways in their sectors.
Universities including the University of Kent, Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU), and the University for the Creative Arts (UCA) offered insights into further study, whilst organisations such as EKC Training showcased specialist career routes, such as Apprenticeships.
The event, organised by the EKC Canterbury College Careers Team, had a fantastic turnout, with everyone making the most of networking opportunities and gaining a deeper understanding of their prospects.
Alongside networking with stallholders, visitors could also attend a series of engaging talks in the College’s Main Hall. These sessions covered employability skills, higher education pathways, and the benefits of apprenticeships.
Stuart Miller from SDM Training Services delivered sessions on apprenticeships, offering guidance on the benefits and processes involved. Charlie Heap from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) provided an overview of the local labour market and employment prospects, whilst Rebecca Smith from Kent Business School at the University of Kent spoke about self-employment and entrepreneurship. These sessions provided attendees with essential knowledge on different career paths and how to navigate them successfully.
A key focus of the fair was the importance of work experience and apprenticeships. Employers emphasised the value of securing placements and internships to build employability skills and boost confidence. They also shared helpful insights on how to approach companies and make the most of these opportunities.
We caught up with some of the attendees at the fair to gather their advice on next steps and career progression. Here’s what they had to say:
Andy – UCA Recruitment Team
“If you’re considering a creative course, make sure your portfolio is as strong as possible. It’s your best way to showcase your skills to universities and employers. If university is on your radar, visit as many Open Days as you can. They’re a great opportunity to explore facilities and meet students already on the course.”
Tamara – University of Kent Ambassador
“Pick a course you genuinely want to study, not just one that seems easy. Choosing something you’re passionate about makes all the difference. Trust your instincts and go for what excites you.”
Matt – Apprentice Site Manager, Morgan Sindall Construction
“Don’t hold back, ask questions, and get as much work experience as you can. You It’ll make a huge difference in your career journey. I’d also say contact as many companies as you can to see if they’ll take you on for a placement, as this is a great way to see if the careers there are right for you.”
Maddi – Christ Church University Student
“Talk to current students if you’re thinking about a course—they’ll give you real insights into what it’s actually like. Also, don’t skip your lectures! You never know when something will inspire you.”
Prisca – Founder of Anaka Beauty
“If you have a dream, go for it. Believe in yourself, work hard, and don’t hesitate to apply for opportunities. I used to study at the East Kent Colleges Group, so I know that here there’s plenty of support available, and College is a great place to explore your options.”
The Careers and Progression Fair was packed with advice, insights, and opportunities, ensuring that students and jobseekers left feeling inspired and ready for the next stage of their journey.
We’d like to thank all the companies who attended, including:
- Kent Police
- The Army
- University of Kent
- Canterbury Christ Church University
- University for the Creative Arts – UCA
- Beach Creative
- Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
- East Kent Colleges Group (University Level courses)
- BeePee Hair Salon
- SDM Training Services
- Rosemont Care
- ONN POINT Training
- AKON Security
- Morgan Sindall
- EKC Training
- Anaka Beauty
- Kent Supported Employment
- East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust
Learn more about our Careers and Progression advice.
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