Careers Fair Connects Students with Future Opportunities

Excelsior Academy recently hosted its Careers Fair for students in Year 7 to Sixth Form, welcoming organisations into the Sports Hall for a full morning of exploration and inspiration.

Students from all year groups attended in staggered sessions, speaking directly with employers, training providers and higher education representatives. Participating organisations included Amazon, Gateshead College, Newcastle University, the Army, Barnardos and Teleperformance.

"The Careers Fair was a great success, with students engaging with professionals from 26 organisations and gaining valuable insight into a wide range of career opportunities."

- Kerry Swindon, Careers Lead at Excelsior AcademY

The event was carefully planned to encourage meaningful engagement. Students explored different pathways, asked questions about careers, courses and apprenticeships and gained insight into opportunities they might not have considered before. Stalls offered a variety of leaflets, display items and interactive activities, giving students plenty of ways to engage and learn. Interactive features, including QR codes at some stalls, allowed pupils to access further information and explore application steps on the spot.

“It’s been great to give pupils a full picture of what’s available. Many have discovered courses they didn’t realise existed and have asked thoughtful questions about opportunities such as extra-curricular activities.”

- Gateshead College

Through hands-on discussions and personal interactions, pupils were able to build confidence, understand the skills required for different roles and consider how their current learning connects to future pathways. Many commented on how inspiring it was to speak to professionals and discover the wide variety of career and training options available in the region and beyond.

“It’s fantastic to be attending a Careers Fair at Excelsior Academy for the first time. Having former apprentices here highlights the impact of these programmes and we’re keen to showcase the wide range of opportunities available, with clear steps for students to explore and apply.”

- Amazon

The Careers Fair offered a unique opportunity to raise aspirations, broaden horizons and provide students with practical knowledge to support informed decision-making. Experiences like this demonstrate the value of connecting education with real-world opportunities and show how the Trust is helping young people prepare for life beyond school.