Successful Careers Fair Attracts Over 1500 Local Students

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council was delighted to welcome over 1500 students to its Careers Fair on Tuesday 21 January 2025 in Newry Leisure Centre.

Students from 12 post primary schools in locations across Crossmaglen, Kilkeel, Newry and Newtownhamilton, were provided with the opportunity to chat to over 50 exhibitors to explore further and higher education courses, employment opportunities and suitable pathways available to them. Exhibitors represented included First Derivative, Viltra, Norbook, Wood Innovations, Collins Aerospace, NIE, NIHE, NI Bodyshop Alliance, Re-Gen, BT, CAFRE, Queens University and Ulster University.

The day was organised by Newry, Mourne and Down Labour Market Partnership (NMD LMP), which is funded by the Department for Communities to create targeted employment action plans for council areas.  This allows for collaboration at local and regional level to support people towards and into work.

Speaking at the event, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Pete Byrne said, “It is fantastic to see so many young people in attendance as the Careers Fair eager to find out more about the variety of opportunities available to them as they progress through their school years and plan for their next steps.

“Newry, Mourne and Down Labour Market Partnership was delighted to host this Careers Fair in partnership with the Newry and Mourne Area Learning Community which is a new initiative this year and certainly proved to be very worthwhile given the feedback I received from pupils, teachers, principals and exhibitors alike”. 

Mr Cormac McKinney, Principal of St Colman’s College and Chair of the Newry and Mourne Area Learning Community, said, “The Newry and Mourne Area Learning Community (ALC) was delighted to join with the Newry, Mourne and Down Labour Market Partnership in the very successful Careers Fair.

“The event allowed Year 12 students to engage with representatives from a wide range of further and higher level colleges and universities, employers and training groups. The students found the event to be very informative, which provided many with food for thought at this very important stage of their educational journey. Teachers and members of staff alongside students from schools in the ALC, took the opportunity to hear about the wide range of opportunities which are available locally in terms of training and employment, and the wide range of apprenticeships and third level courses which are available through the regional colleges and universities. 

“The ALC is very appreciative of all that was done by all those from the NMD LMP, careers teachers and the ALC co-ordinator to make this event such a success. The benefits for the students in our community paves the way for this to be an annual ALC/NMD LMP event.”

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