Students at the College of West Anglia’s Cambridge campus met employers, organisations and industry professionals from across a range of specialist sectors at a recent careers fair designed to inspire their next steps.
The event brought together guests from animal care, land-based industries, science, conservation and equine sectors; providing learners the opportunity to explore career pathways, ask questions and gain first-hand insight into working life beyond further education.
Exhibitors included Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire, Medivet, Cambridge Policing including Neighbourhood Policing and the BCH Dog Handling Unit, the British Grooms Association, Bransby Horses, Hamerton Zoo, Hill’s Pet Nutrition, the British Horse Society and the British Antarctic Survey.
Students also heard from David Chandler, freelance author, photographer, former RSPB educator and inspirational speaker who added another dimension to the event by sharing his experience and helping learners think more broadly about the opportunities available to them.
The fair gave students the opportunity to speak directly with professionals about the realities of different roles, the qualifications and experience employers look for, and the many routes available into the industry, including employment, apprenticeships, university and specialist training.
It also highlighted the strength of the College’s links with employers and organisations, helping students build confidence and develop a clearer picture of where their studies could take them.
Sergeant Paul Delmer from Cambridgeshire Police said, “Presence at careers fairs is a vital opportunity for us to break down traditional barriers and connect meaningfully with the young people of today. It was encouraging to see so many students engaged and eager to learn; the volume of questions we received today highlights a genuine curiosity about what modern policing actually looks like. We want to make it clear that a career in the force is accessible and rewarding, offering a professional pathway that doesn't necessarily require a university degree to excel. Our goal is for these students to walk away with a positive, firsthand experience of the police, knowing that we are approachable and that no question is off-limits when it comes to their future.
Lesley Anderson, Career Coordinator at the College of West Anglia said, “The Milton Campus Career Fair was a highly engaging afternoon, showcasing a wide range of career pathways within the animal sector, from Police Dog Handling to opportunities with the British Antarctic Survey. The event was well attended and thoroughly enjoyed by students, staff, and employers alike.”
The College of West Anglia would like to thank all the organisations, guests and staff involved in making the Cambridge careers fair such a valuable event for the students.