Although primarily open to the school’s students and their families, a limited number of places are being offered to members of the community who may be looking for a return to work; a change of career, or are seeking information about accessing education, training or apprenticeship opportunities.

Withernsea High School Careers Leader, Viki Foster, said: “While careers fairs have been a firm fixture of our careers programme for a number of years, these have traditionally taken place during the school day and have been held for single year groups. With this event, we are aiming to try something different by timing it in the evening to allow parents/carers to attend alongside their children, outside the confines of the working day.    

“We have also made the decision to allocate a limited number of places to members of the community, giving residents of South East Holderness direct access to employers and training providers. We believe this is a unique offering at such an event and we are excited to help support our wider community.”

Among those confirmed to attend are representatives from Wilberforce, Wyke, Bishop Burton, East Riding and Hull colleges, plus apprenticeship and independent training providers including the Hull Business Training Centre, Catch Apprenticeships, HETA, and Humber Energy Skills Training Academy.

Representatives from companies operating in a variety of sectors including manufacturing, finance, engineering, construction, health and social care, renewable energy and retail, will also be in attendance. Among them are Swift Caravans, Reckitt Benckiser, RWE Renewable Energy, the NHS, Tesco, Alan Wood & Partners Civil Engineering, and Morris Spottiswood Construction.         

In addition, independent careers advice providers including Exploring Opportunities, Skills Hull and East Riding, and Log on Move on, will also be present. There will also be an opportunity for attendees to meet representatives from public services including Humberside Fire and Rescue, and the Armed Forces. 

Reflecting on the importance of providing such interactions for young people and the wider community, Viki Foster added: “As a secondary school, we are privileged to work with young people through five crucial years of their growth towards adulthood. However, our commitment to their long-term success doesn’t end there and we are always keen to extend our support beyond the boundaries of their formal time with us. It is through this continuity and strength of community, reinforced by our rural location, that motivates us to help support current and former students, and their friends and families, who comprise our wider school community.”

The careers evening and futures fair takes place at Withernsea High School on the evening of Thursday, 22nd February. Limited places are available for members of the community to attend between 7.00pm and 8.00pm. These must be booked and confirmed in advance by contacting Viki Foster via email at fosterv@wscampus.net or by phone on 01964 611545.