Careers Wales, in collaboration with Queen Elizabeth High School and various exhibitors, hosted the ‘What Next? Choose Your Future’ event in Carmarthen, giving young people with additional learning needs the opportunity to explore future career options.
Held on Tuesday, 28 January 2025, from 9.30 am to 2.30 pm, the event welcomed Year 10 and 11 pupils from special schools across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and Powys. Around 150 students were exploring their future careers at the event.
10 organisations attended from a range of sectors. They offered information on jobs, careers, apprenticeships, training, and educational routes.
Students took part in interactive workshops, enjoyed hands-on activities to learn about different jobs and were able to connect with potential employers. Careers advisers were also available to provide impartial advice and guidance on courses, qualifications, and career pathways.
Students interact with local employers
An attending Year 10 pupil said: “It is a great experience for all the schools, it’s good that employers put up their stands together for us.”
Another pupil from Year 10 added: “I think it’s been very helpful. I liked the interactive stuff.”
One Year 11 pupil said: “I think it’s very important getting young people to this sort of events so they can see all the options they’ve got.”
A second pupil from Year 11 said: “It’s a good opportunity to have a look, especially for some of us who might not know what we want to do in the future.”
Students interact with local employers
Leanne McFarland, regional care career connector at WeCare Wales, said: “It’s great to have these events organised by Careers Wales as they give a chance for all students to see what career opportunities are available to them, and what different options they have got after school.”
James Harper, social impact manager at Principality, said: “It’s great to be in Carmarthen today. It’s fantastic meeting so many young people and we are working hard to raise awareness about carers in financial services across Wales.”
Hannah Stephens, a Careers Wales business engagement adviser, said: “This event is all about creating an inclusive environment where young people with additional learning needs can connect directly with employers and training providers.
Students with additional learning needs explore future careers at Carmarthen event
“As well as helping with their confidence and motivation, the information and encouragement they receive will help them to identify opportunities and make informed choices about their future careers.”
Schools in attendance:
Ysgol Bro Teifi
Canolfan yr Eithin
Canolfan Elfed QEH
Penglais – Specialist Resource Hearing
Heol Goffa
Portfield School
Stepping Stones Pembroke
Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi
Ty Trafle School
Milford Haven School
Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi
Ysgol Bro Dinefwr
Ysgol Heol Goffa
Canolfan Y Gors
Ysgol Gyfun Emlyn
Coleg Ceredigion
The full list of employers in attendance at the event:
Hywell Dda University Health Board
We Care Wales
Castell Howell
Principality Building Society
Furtureworks
Barod
Coleg Sir Gar
Dyfed Powys Police
Tilbury Douglas Construction
Carmarthen County Borough Council
For more information about future career events and resources, please visit the Careers Wales website.
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