The Two Counties Trust is pleased to celebrate the success of the recent Careers Fair hosted by Swanwick Hall School. This large‑scale event brought together students from every school across the Trust, with an impressive 1,136 students from Year 10 and above attending throughout the day. They were able to engage with 66 exhibitors, including employers, further and higher education providers, apprenticeship organisations, and industry specialists.
The scale and diversity of the event created a truly collaborative Trust‑wide experience, giving students the opportunity to explore potential future pathways, broaden their horizons, and feel confident in planning their next steps beyond secondary school.
Events like this also highlight the advantages of being part of The Two Counties Trust. By pooling resources, networks, and expertise across all schools, the Trust is able to offer students access to opportunities on a much larger scale. Bringing students together from different communities fosters shared ambition, builds connections, and ensures every young person benefits from the Trust’s collective commitment to enhancing their life choices.
Sue Woolett from Stepnell, a local construction company based in Nottingham, commented:
‘Events like The Two Counties Trust Careers Fair give young people a real insight into the breadth of opportunities available within industries like construction. It was fantastic to see students so engaged and curious about the skills and pathways that can lead to rewarding and meaningful careers.’
Representatives from Glenair, a manufacturer and supplier of interconnect technologies, said:
‘We have been to previous careers fairs with TTCT and I believe there was a noticeable improvement in the communications skills and engagement from the students at the event this year. We had a large number of students, from all of the schools that attended, which were polite, confident, asked relevant questions and showed a genuine interest in Glenair and future career opportunities. Even students that seemed to have a set career plan which differed from our industry, were open to finding out more about the different opportunities available to them.’
Students were very enthusiastic engaging with exhibitors, collecting information and learning about the skills and attributes sought by different industries. For many students, the event helped them to discover pathways they hadn’t previously considered or been aware of.
Jess Webb from The University of Cambridge said:
“The Two Counties Trust careers fair has been a fantastic opportunity to engage with a wide range of students as they consider their next steps. The atmosphere has been both ambitious and welcoming, with students asking thoughtful questions and exploring different pathways. Representing Peterhouse, University of Cambridge has been meaningful as I was able to answer many questions about the application process and help talented students feel more confident in considering Cambridge as a possible route for their future.”
Events like this form an important part of The Two Counties Trust’s mission to provide our students with opportunities to enhance their life choices. By connecting students with employers and further education providers, The Trust aims to raise aspirations, build confidence, and empower our students to make informed decisions about their future.
Charlotte Beardall, Careers Manager at The Two Counties Trust, reflected on the day:
‘We’re incredibly proud of how successful this year’s Careers Fair has been, and I’d like to extend a massive thank you to Swanwick Hall School for hosting such a fantastic event. Bringing together further education providers and employers gives our students the confidence and knowledge they need to plan ambitious futures.’
The Trust extends its thanks to all organisations who contributed their time, expertise and enthusiasm. Their support helps ensure that students across our schools receive invaluable opportunities to explore and plan a successful future.
