Opportunity Sheffield’s ‘Apprenticeships: Be Inspired’ careers fair returned for its eighth year at Hillsborough Stadium this month (Thursday 7 March 2024), giving local school and Sixth Form pupils the chance to discover vacancies and apply for apprenticeships.
Each year, the flagship event connects young people who are considering an apprenticeship with employers who are looking to hire, allowing them to meet in-person to discuss industry options, career paths and upcoming vacancies.
Opportunity Sheffield, Sheffield City Council’s Employment and Skills Service, organised the event, which hosted 65 employers and more than 800 Year 11, 12 and 13 pupils.
Employers from a variety of industry sectors were in attendance to promote their upcoming opportunities, including Sheffield Forgemasters, Direct Line, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, South Yorkshire Police, Equans, Liberty Steel, BHP Chartered Accountants, Home Office and The Royal Navy. Plus, Opportunity Sheffield were present providing employment and skills advice.
Jayne Sibley, HR Manager at BHP Chartered Accountants, said: “It’s been a really good day. We have had quite a few Year 13s, who are our target market for our non-graduate programme.
“We have nine vacancies for our Chesterfield and Sheffield offices. I’d definitely recommend this event to other businesses. I think it is also important to give something back to the community, helping young people think about what options are available to them.”
Lesley Cassell, Careers Advisor at Ecclesfield School, said: “I’ve brought 26 students today. They are interested in engineering, IT, childcare, business and construction trades like carpentry and joinery.
“There’s a real mix of employers covering these areas. I came to the very first Be Inspired event eight years ago, and have been here every year since. I’d recommend this event to other schools.”
Finlay Moody, 19-year-old student at Tapton School, added: “I’ve been looking at a lot of plumbing and domestic heating apprenticeships. There have been plenty of stalls catering to what I’m looking for. The employers I have been speaking to are really informative.
“I’ve expressed my interest in a few businesses. I’ll definitely apply online when I get home. I’d recommend this event to anyone looking for apprenticeships.”
Apprenticeships: Be Inspired will return in March 2025.
More information about Opportunity Sheffield and its apprenticeship support can be found on the Sheffield City Council website.
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