Local careers fair ‘fantastic opportunity’ for children

Local careers fair ‘fantastic opportunity’ for children

19 February 2025

OVER 800 students from across the district attended a careers fair in Downpatrick earlier this month.

The event, held in Down Leisure Centre, was hosted by Newry, Mourne and Down Labour Market Partnership, in collaboration with Ballynahinch and Lecale Area Learning Communities.  

Students from Downpatrick, Newcastle, Castlewellan, Saintfield and Ballynahinch had the opportunity to meet and engage with more than 50 organisations to explore further and higher education courses, employment opportunities and career pathways suitable to their aspirations. 

Exhibitors included Finnebrogue, NIE, MJM Marine, Walter Watson, First Derivative, Queen’s University Belfast, Ulster University, Liverpool John Moores University, PWC, NI Housing Executive, Cyber First, CAFRE, Kainos, Army, Trinity College and the National Trust to name a few.

Newry Mourne and Down Council deputy chairperson David Lee-Surginor 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.”

Mr Stephen Taylor, principal of Blackwater Integrated College and chair of the Lecale Learning Community, highlighted the significance of the event. 

He said: “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.”

Mr Paul Marks, principal of The High School Ballynahinch and vice-chair of Ballynahinch Learning Community, 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.”

Local support agencies, including the Careers Service, were on-site offering one-to-one support and advice on CV writing and preparing for interview.