Bridgwater & Taunton College (BTC) recently hosted its annual Careers Fest, a dynamic event connecting hundreds of students with local and national employers, universities, and apprenticeship providers.

Held across the College’s Bridgwater, Taunton, and Cannington campuses, Careers Fest provided a platform for students to explore diverse career paths, network with industry professionals, and gain valuable insights into future opportunities – whether pondering their next steps in education, or moving forward into the workplace.

The event featured a wide range of exhibitors, including Thatchers, Young Somerset, The Environment Agency, CHOMP, University Centre Somerset (UCS), the Royal Air Force (RAF), Avon and Somerset Police, Hinkley Point C, EDF, Swansea University, and the University of Gloucester, among others.

Students had the opportunity to engage in conversations with representatives from various organisations, gaining first-hand knowledge about various industries and career options, unveiling possible avenues of progression that students may not have been aware of prior.

The event was a resounding success, with students expressing that it had broadened their understanding of potential career paths, inspired them to consider new vocations and possibilities, and provided valuable networking opportunities. It also highlighted the comprehensive careers support available to students at BTC throughout their studies.

Helen Windsor, Careers Lead at BTC, commented,

“It has been fantastic to see so many students engaging with employers and university providers at this year’s Careers Fest. Students have commented that the event has made them think about career options they hadn’t considered before and has got them thinking in general about their progression options for the future”.

Careers Fest continues to play a vital role in the development of all BTC students, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in today’s competitive job market – a priority of the My BTC Advantage. By providing opportunities to interact with industry professionals and develop strong networking and communication skills, BTC empowers students to make an impactful first impression to future employers, and informed decisions about their future pathways.

Key takeaways for students included:

• Enhanced career awareness: students gained insights into a diverse range of industries and career paths, expanding their understanding of potential opportunities.
• Improved networking skills: the event facilitated valuable interactions with employers and professionals from industry, fostering essential networking skills.
• Increased motivation and confidence: students left the event feeling inspired and empowered to achieve their career goals.

BTC’s commitment to providing such events underscores the importance of career development in further education and beyond. By investing in students’ future success, BTC is helping to shape a skilled and adaptable workforce for the UK.

For more information on future events and BTC’s multitude of educational offerings, please visit www.btc.ac.uk or get in touch with the Information & Advice team by emailing info@btc.ac.uk.