SPotlight on Virtual Careers Fairs

This time of the year is traditionally when we are busy with our schools, supporting them with planning and delivering their annual career events. These events are always well supported and attended by our industry partners, who look forward to informing and inspiring our young people, parents/carers and educators. 

In the backdrop of COVID-19 where schools are unable to have external visitors into the school, the prospect of delivering their annual careers fair, seemed an impossible task for schools. Keen to ensure young people and industry still have the opportunity to connect with one another we are working with schools to deliver a regional offer which will include industry partners producing a series of informative videos.

Schools across Edinburgh, Midlothian and East Lothian will have access to a suite of videos prepared by employers from a wide and diverse range of sectors. Employer videos will highlight careers within that organisation, pathways into the roles and skills and attributes required. Young people will also gain an understanding from current employees about what it is like to work for that employer and what development opportunities there are.

This is a great way to continue to inspire young people to consider careers they may never have before. Moreover, it helps solidify existing interests and help young people confirm the pathway they would like to pursue.

Our education colleagues are really grateful to our wide range of industry partners for supporting this approach. The obvious benefit of this method means young people, parents/carers and educators will be able to refer to the bank of videos more than once, unlike the traditional ‘one-off’ career event. This will allow for plenty of opportunity to explore career aspirations.

Industry partners can get involved by contacting us at dyw@edinburghchamber.co.uk for more information. Our YouTube channel will be live from w/b 30th November showcasing these videos. Further information will be circulated to our education colleagues in advance of this date.