Virtual careers fair Opportunities Ahead LIVE! to feature more than 40 companies from Greater Cambridge
A virtual careers fair set to inspire young people and help them with their next steps in education or into employment will take place on Thursday March 25.
Opportunities Ahead LIVE! is open to sixth-form and college students in Greater Cambridge, and will give them the chance to meet employers, get advice, guidance, and information to help prepare and inspire them for what comes next.
Organised by Form the Future, the event is the first of its kind, and will welcome employers from more than 40 companies from across the region.
The event, running from 4-6pm, is supported by the Cambridge Independent and also marks the start of Form the Future’s new programme with the Greater Cambridge Partnership, which is a gold sponsor. Over the next four years, Form the Future will continue to deliver the apprenticeship and skills service on behalf of the GCP, with a focus on investing in skills and career support to fuel the city’s economic recovery.
In the last year, the pandemic has disproportionately affected 16 to 24-year-olds. From being plunged into online learning, dealing with the cancellation of exams and what this means for future study and employment, and for many the loss of work experience or part-time jobs – a sense of direction and hope for the future is greatly needed among young people.
Events like Opportunities Ahead LIVE! give young people the chance to hear from employers who want to share their stories, to help them get inspired about the types of jobs available to them now and in the future.
It aims to showcase the diverse and dynamic careers on offer in the city and help students feel positive about their future career paths.
A variety of industries will be in attendance at the event, including life sciences, recruitment, animal welfare, construction, healthcare, digital marketing and entrepreneurship.
Naily Makangu, director and founder of Athena Leaders, a sponsor of the event, has been inspired by the work she has seen young people create during the pandemic.
She said: “At Athena Leaders, we have been blown away by the high standard of work produced by the young people we have supported since the beginning of the pandemic. I am really excited to be sponsoring Opportunities Ahead LIVE! and am curious to find out how small businesses can help young people develop the confidence and the skills they need to reach the next level.”
Accountancy training provider First Intuition will also be in attendance, providing advice and support for students looking to pursue careers in accounting.
The company said: “We’re delighted to be a part of Opportunities Ahead LIVE!, supporting young people in finding their dream career path, at a time when careers advice and guidance is needed more than ever. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to share our expertise in apprenticeships and accountancy both at the Apprenticeship session and our booth.”
For those interested in pursuing scientific apprenticeships, sponsor Charles River Laboratories’ booth will focus on its programme and the opportunities available now.
“Charles River Laboratories strives to invest in early career scientists and we are looking for budding drug discovery enthusiasts to join our apprenticeship programme,” said the company. “We can’t wait to meet you at Opportunities Ahead LIVE! and share more information with you about what we have to offer.”
Costello Medical, a healthcare agency which supports the healthcare sector in analysing and communicating health economic data, will also be taking part in the event.
Sophie Costello, director and CEO, said: “We are proud to take part to Opportunities Ahead LIVE! giving the younger generation a chance to understand the skills needed to break into the job market. At Costello Medical we are committed to advancing healthcare whilst maintaining a friendly and collaborative atmosphere and building a community of the very best people. The future growth of the company will continue to be shaped by our young, talented team and as such we highly value the opportunity to connect with students so early in their career journey.”
As well as the opportunity to meet with employers and learn about careers in different industries, the event will feature panel discussions.
The panel discussions will cover Apprenticeships, Careers of the Future and Entrepreneurship, with panellists made up of experts on each topic.
Other companies attending the event include include Arm, Kier Construction, Cambridge University Hospitals, Wood Green The Animals Charity, Kennedys Law and TTP.
Opportunities Ahead LIVE! is free to attend. To find out more and register, visit https://bit.ly/OppsAheadLive.
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Virtual careers fair will help Greater Cambridge students plan their futures
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