Careers Fair Opens Doors for Local Students

Students from across Downpatrick, Newcastle, Castlewellan, Saintfield and Ballynahinch attended a Careers Fair on Wednesday 5 February 2025 in Down Leisure Centre hosted by Newry, Mourne and Down Labour Market Partnership, in collaboration with Ballynahinch and Lecale Area Learning Communities.  

Labour Market Partnerships are funded by the Department for Communities and create targeted employment action plans for Council areas, allowing for collaboration at local and regional level to support people towards and into work.

Newry Mourne and Down District Council Deputy Chairperson, Councillor David Lee-Surginor, who attended on behalf of Chairperson Councillor Pete Byrne said, “Following the success of last year’s careers fair, Newry Mourne and Down Labour Market Partnership was delighted once again to work alongside Lecale and Ballynahinch Area Learning Communities to provide our local fifth and sixth year students with a fantastic opportunity to explore their future career paths – whether that’s further education, an apprenticeship or direct entry into the workforce. Being able to engage directly with regional and overseas universities, colleges, local employers and support organisations all in one place, is an invaluable experience for all students here today.”

With over 50 exhibitors registered and more than 800 students attending from 11 post primary schools, participants had the chance to meet and engage with organisations to explore further and higher education courses, employment opportunities and career pathways suitable to their aspirations.

Exhibitors represented included Finnebrogue, NIE, MJM Marine, Walter Watson, First Derivative, Queens University, Ulster University, Liverpool John Moore, PWC, NI Housing Executive, Cyber First, CAFRE, Kainos, Army, Trinity College and National Trust to name a few.

Blackwater Integrated College Principal and Chair of the Lecale Learning Community, Mr Stephen Taylor highlighted the events significance, “This Careers Fair presented a fantastic opportunity for pupils in Years 12 and 13 to explore the wide range of possibilities on offer. Students had access to some of the top universities from Northern Ireland and Southern Ireland, as well as universities from Scotland and England. Alongside this, students will realise that other routes are available, including courses in regional colleges and Higher-Level Apprenticeships offered through colleges and private providers such as PWC, Thales and NIE. This careers fair is all about exploring possibilities and awakening interest in new routes to travel".

High School Ballynahinch Principal and Vice-Chair of Ballynahinch Learning Community, Mr Paul Marks said, “This event gave pupils first hand insight into their post -16 options, whether that be higher education, apprenticeships, or direct employment. Meeting with employers and education providers in person helps students make more informed decisions about their next steps. We would like to express our sincere thanks to Newry Mourne and Down Labour Market Partnership for organising and funding this valuable initiative.”

Attendees could also avail of one-on-one support and advice on next steps, progressing to further or higher education or finding a job, writing a CV and preparing for interview from local support agencies including the Careers Service. Regional Further Education Colleges SERC and SRC and the Newry, Mourne and Down Labour Market Partnership provided information regarding training available to help people secure jobs. The Go Succeed representatives were also in attendance to offer advice to anyone interested in self-employment as an option or side-line.