OVER 400 students attended a careers fair at Harlow College. Students attended from St Marks West Essex Catholic School, BMAT STEM Academy Harlow College and Forest Hall School in Stansted.

The event was organised to ensure young people from all walks of life have access to a wide range of career opportunities.

The careers fair was supported by the Essex Year of Opportunity, a £1.33 million campaign by Essex County Council across 2026. Through projects and partnerships with organisations, the Essex Year of Opportunity removes barriers into work and education for all ages by providing access to essential skills.

The young people met with employers including Essex Police, Affinity Water, Anglia Ruskin University, Virgin Media, currency printer De La Rue, learning provider First Intuition and road marking company Wilson and Scott. Each firm set up interactive activities to engage with students.

Building services provider Chas Berger and Princess Alexandra NHS Trust both hosted workshops. The Princess Alexandra led an audiology workshop while Chas Berger led a careers in construction session. 

Councillor Tony Ball, Essex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education Excellence, Lifelong Learning and Employability, said: “Career events help young people realise their potential and start pursuing ambition. The Essex Year of Opportunity is pleased to be able to connect young people with employers to take these vital next steps towards a brighter future.”

Annette Hall, Employability and Careers Lead at Essex County Council, said: “The day was very well attended. All students were engaged and switched on. The day inspired students to think about their futures, to open their eyes to what is out there. The construction workshop didn’t only look at the traditional careers everyone thinks relate to construction; they showcased so much more. The NHS workshop also looked at all the different roles within the NHS.”

Exhibitor Lisa Martin-Whatley, from bank note printer De La Rue, commented on the event: “It’s been fantastic, it’s been very interesting hearing the young people’s experience of using cash and the kind of careers they want to do. They were all quite surprised to know that just down the road from them there’s a company making the bank notes they get for pocket money, Christmas and birthdays.”

Representing Essex Police was PC Lee Sheppard, a children’s and young person’s officer at Harlow Police Station. He said: “These events are a great opportunity for children to ask us questions about potential careers. It also breaks down some of the concerns or fears they have about the police. They ask questions about our equipment, how we use it and what our working day is like. We had some interesting conversations here, it’s been brilliant.”

Student Libby Milson, 15, from the BMAT STEM Academy School at Harlow College said: “Today has been so good, so interesting. I’ve learnt so much from everyone here. “

Designated Safeguard Lead, Jenna Allen, from the BMAT STEM Academy added: “The day went really well. The students were engaged and it has given them lots of opportunities to think about what they may want to do in the future.”

To discover more about the Essex Year of Opportunity, visit: www.essex.gov.uk/news/2025/essex-year-opportunity.