YOUNG people wanting to find out more about the options available to them following their A-level and GCSE results can find out more about their options with a week-long virtual careers festival starting tomorrow.
The #WMSTRONG Summer Careers Festival has been organised by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) with interactive online sessions taking place between tomorrow and Thursday, August 27.
The sessions will cover careers, further education, access to employment, and volunteering, health and wellbeing.
Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “The post-exam period is always a tricky time for young people as they weigh up their future options, but this has only been made harder by the Coronavirus pandemic, with the economic fallout expected to hit the younger generations the hardest.
“Many will be unsure about the options open to them this year, which is why the West Midlands Combined Authority has teamed up with local colleges, employers, and charities, to host special online sessions.
“From training programmes and further education courses, to apprenticeships and full-time employment, we want young people to have all the options available to them and to help them have the best possible start to their career.”
He urged all young people – especially those leaving school or college who were undecided about what to do from September – to join the events and find out more from expert speakers about the opportunities available.
Here are details of the sessions –
Monday, August 24 – Speakers from a wide range of sectors, including construction, digital, and health and social care. Advisers from the National Careers Service will also be on hand to give further guidance in live chats throughout the day.
Tuesday, August 25 – Further Education Day. An interactive live session will feature speakers from local colleges, who will give an overview of the courses on offer from September and how to apply. The WMCA will also be sharing videos from local colleges through its social media channels to show the range of opportunities available for young people.
Wednesday, August 26 – Access to Employment. This event is aimed at young people interested in starting full-time or part-time work now. Speakers will include representatives from big brands such as BT, Bupa and Diageo about their Access to Employment programmes, work placements and job vacancies they are recruiting for now.
Thursday, August 27 – Get Involved/Health and Wellbeing Day. This is for young people who are unsure of what to do next but keen to stay active and get involved in something positive. This session will advise young people on volunteering opportunities, contributing to social action projects, staying fit and taking care of their physical and mental health. Speakers will include representatives from The Prince’s Trust and Sport Birmingham.
Hosted by former BBC Radio 1xtra DJ and social media influencer Sideman and other local influencers, each session will also feature a DJ, and there will be a chance to win prizes.
Visit wmca.org.uk/wmstrong for more information on the festival and to book sessions.
For further information about how the WMCA is helping local people gain new skills and jobs, visit https://beta.wmca.org.uk/what-we-do/covid-19-support/online-resources/
