In November 2025, more than 500 students swapped their usual classrooms for something a little different – a buzzing Careers Fair at Building 500, Discovery Park, Sandwich. It was a day packed with ideas, inspiration and plenty of “I didn’t know you could do that!” moments.

Students in Years 9 and 10 from the following schools attended:

• Borden Grammar School;
• East Kent College;
• Fulston Manor School;
• Highsted Grammar School;
• The Sittingbourne School.

In total, 577 students explored what their future could look like.

The Careers Fair brought together 30 different career areas, with 60 representatives from businesses, universities and public services. From healthcare and engineering to finance, education, travel and the armed forces, there was something for everyone.

Students were able to:

• Chat directly with employers and universities;
• ask questions about subjects, grades and qualifications;
• discover career paths they may never have considered before.

Many students said this was the best part of the day, being able to speak to real people doing real jobs.

Alongside the exhibition, students from Highsted Grammar School and The Sittingbourne School attended a 30-minute apprenticeship presentation in the Lawrence Suite by Department for Work and Pensions – Marie Colgan and the University of Kent – Kieayna Shodeinde-Colverson. These sessions helped students understand how apprenticeships work and how they can combine learning with earning.

Feedback from students was extremely positive:

• The event scored 8.5 out of 10 for usefulness;
• 81% said it would help them choose GCSE or A-level options;
• many described the day as inspiring, interesting and engaging.

Some student comments included:

• “Loved it.”
• “Interesting to visit individual stalls and discuss careers.”
• “Good experience and a lot of information.”
• “It was amazing.”
• “Kind people.”

Students particularly valued learning about entry requirements and understanding how their subject choices link to future careers.

A Big Thank You 

The Careers Fair was fully funded by Vattenfall, whose generous sponsorship made the event possible. Thanks also go to all the exhibitors who gave their time to inspire the next generation.