Careers service School Future Fair (From Watford Observer)

Careers service School Future Fair

10:21am Thursday 3rd December 2009 in Rickmansworth News

Words by Ellen O’Grady and Lauren Merritt, Year 9

Every teenager is worried about what to do in the future, but on the 21st of October this year we were all given a chance to properly think about the choices we have at the Future Fair in Watford.

Thirty-five companies from the Hertfordshire area attended to give advice and an insight into their businesses. These included: Clipso hairdressers, The University of Hertfordshire and Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.

We were able to speak to the founder of this evening, David Ritchie, Director of Careers and Education Information.

Q: What made you think of this idea?

A: I believe that it is beneficial for students to make decisions about course choice, work and training by taking into account the views of others including teachers and parents and especially employers.

Q: Did you arrange everything by yourself?

A: No, I needed a lot of help from my colleagues in all the local schools and colleges. I couldn’t have done it without them.

Q: Do you enjoy arranging the Future Fair?

A: Yes, it’s great fun, especially when I read the feedback from the students and parents telling me how valuable the evening was.

Q: Has it always been successful?

A: I have done three of these events and they have always been just as successful, thankfully. Young people keep needing the information and the employers are so willing to share.

Q: What do you think the kids get out if it?

A: The children get first hand information about what employers are looking for in terms of skills and qualifications. They also learn about the different educational pathways into and through work. And this year they had the opportunity to learn about the new diploma courses being taught in our area.

Q: How many companies did you ask and do you ask the same companies each year?

A: I asked about 65 companies and every year we find new companies prepared to join us.

Thank you to all the companies for their help and advice that evening and a big thank you to David Richie for all his hard work.