Firms put on a show at careers fair

However, there were also students there who believe they had to leave to progress their chosen careers.

The show at Beau Sejour gave local businesses from different sectors the opportunity to sell their industry to members of the public and students.

Representatives from the finance industry, retail, States and many more were there in part to encourage people who want to stay on-island and build careers.

States HR advisor Kate Lawlor said students had been intrigued about working for the States. ‘We’ve had a lot of interest from the students towards working for us, especially in our placement schemes,’ she said.

‘When you leave school you don’t always know what you want to do, our trainee programmes can help young people decide on a career.’

The feeling was echoed by neighbourhood police team member, Hannah Mechem, who said she had seen plenty of enthusiasm.

‘We’ve had a steady stream of people showing a real interest in joining the police. I don’t think I’ve stopped talking,’ she said.

‘It can be hard to recruit into the police, but we’ve had younger and older people, male and female, show real interest.’

However, students from the College of Further Education, Elizabeth College and Ladies’ College were all in agreement they would need to study off-island to follow their chosen careers.

Performing arts students from the CoFE, Scott Riseborough, 17, and Olivia Ephgrave, 18, said studying here has helped, but they would need to leave to further their career prospects.

‘I’m going to ALRA in London, which is a top five drama school,’ said Olivia.

‘That’s what this course has benefited me to do, getting the right connections.

‘Studying courses like this one are a great way to get into drama universities in England.’

Scott added: ‘My passion is drama, and I have to go to the UK to pursue a career in it.’

Elizabeth College students, Zavier Pike, 15, and Charles Kershaw, said although the island did have something to offer, they would both need to leave before potentially returning.

‘I want to go into finance or banking, but I feel I have to go to university to get the job I want,’ said Zavier.

‘There are obviously some good opportunities in finance here, so I may come back.’

Charles added: ‘I plan on joining the military, and would also have to go to the UK for it.’

One student from Ladies’ College, Ingrid Morley, 15, said she planned on moving to France to study.

‘I don’t want to stay here and work,’ she said.

‘I want to study languages, and go to university in France.’