The Two Counties Trust, made up of nine secondary academies educating students across the Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, held its biggest Careers Fair on Wednesday 4th December 2024, at Manor Academy in Mansfield Woodhouse. 

This event brought together over 1,050 students and more than 70 employers and organisations from a wide range of sectors. It provided an invaluable opportunity for students to explore potential career pathways and expand their understanding of the world of work.

The event showcased a diverse range of industries, allowing students to interact with representatives from construction, healthcare, finance, law enforcement and more. 

Exhibitors included Kier, Glenair, the Armed Forces, Nottingham Police, Nestlé, East Midlands Chamber, as well as regional universities and colleges, amongst others. Each organisation shared insights about their sector and the skills needed to succeed, inspiring students to think ambitiously about their futures.

Debbie Rogers, our Manufacturing Network Adviser was introduced to The Two Counties Trust (TTCT) Careers Team by Ian Greenaway, Vice Chair of the EMMN Derbyshire Group, who is a trustee for TTCT. EMMN exhibited at the Trust Careers Day and Debbie said:

‘This was a great opportunity to connect with pupils and staff from 9 schools in our region, to raise awareness of the vast range of career options available in manufacturing in our region and to introduce the East Midlands Manufacturing Network as a group through which to connect with local manufacturers and to find out more about manufacturing in our region.  It was also great to meet some manufacturers exhibiting there too.’ 

In addition to exploring potential careers, the event highlighted the ongoing work of the Trust’s Careers Team, who support over 11,000 students across the Trust’s schools by equipping them with the knowledge and skills to find their future pathways.

Wesley Davies, CEO of The Two Counties Trust, said:

“This Careers Fair reflects the very best of what we stand for at The Two Counties Trust – ambition, teamwork and honesty. I’m incredibly proud of how our students, staff and partner organisations came together to create such a valuable opportunity for exploring future pathways. Events like this allow our students to make informed decisions about their futures and prepare them to contribute positively to the world we share.”

Charlotte Beardall, Careers Manager at The Two Counties Trust said:

“I am so pleased with how the event ran, our biggest Careers Fair to date. The support given by employers by attending our events helps our Careers Team, who work daily to support and equip learners with the skills to prepare for the world of work. A huge thank you to everyone involved in today, and especially to Manor Academy for hosting the event.”