Careers show returns to highlight range of opportunities on offer

PEOPLE looking for a career change and students filled halls at Beau Sejour for the Careers and Skills Show.

Yesterday was schools’ day at the Careers and Skills Show at Beau Sejour. (Picture by Sophie Rabey, 32785140)

More than 50 exhibitors from a range of sectors manned stalls at the two-day event.

The Guernsey Institute and the Sixth Form Centre were also at the event for students looking at their next steps.

‘The event lets people see what opportunities are available to them locally,’ said Sarah Stonebridge, head of Careers Guernsey.

‘It increases awareness of different careers and inspires people, helping them plan their careers and pathways a bit more.’

This was the first careers show arranged since 2019. Before it was stopped during the pandemic, it was an annual event which was attended by the island’s schools.

Sarah Stonebridge, head of Careers Guernsey. (32782543)

‘The event used to be annual and the schools have said they want it back,’ said Ms Stonebridge.

The event was open to the public on Wednesday afternoon, before welcoming schools yesterday.

‘The event is really important for students and members of the public who are looking for careers or changes of employment, and it is great that it is all under one roof,’ said director of education Nick Hynes.

A variety of stalls were available for people to visit, to learn about the different industries and careers they might not have heard of before.

‘For younger people we may be having conversations about what it is that we do and what insurance is,’ said Jonathan Snow, learning and development officer at Islands Insurance.

‘It’s a chance to come face to face with people in a more casual environment, we have had applicants who have come to us from the fayre previously.’

The show was also an opportunity for people to get to know the different companies.

‘People will see us today and will remember what we do,’ said Stewart Moyles from Ravenscroft.

Stewart Moyles, left, of Ravenscroft’s precious metals team, hoped show attendees would remember what the company does, the gold bar being a reminder. He is with sustainability analyst Alex Rich, centre, and Jason Shambrook, head of HR. (Picture by Luke Le Prevost, 32782545)

‘There is a range of people who are here and there is something for everyone.’

Year 11 student at Les Varendes High School, Roxy Trump, 15, attended the show to speak to St John Ambulance as she wants to train to become a paramedic.

‘I want to be a paramedic, so am hoping to speak to St John but I have already spoken to the College of FE about their public services and health & social care courses.’

‘After studying at college I would like to go to the UK and study to become a paramedic.’

Childcare and education stalls attracted college students Tamsin Davidson, 16, and Leah Torode, 17.

‘We study childcare at college and the stalls have been really helpful,’ said Miss Torode.

‘I would like to work with children with special educational needs,’ said Miss Davidson.