Stockport Council and Stockport Jobs Match gear up for Post-16 Careers Week 2023

Stockport Council, in collaboration with Stockport Jobs Match, is gearing up to host a week-long virtual careers fair to showcase the borough’s employment and education options from 16+.

The Post-16 Careers Week, taking place from 9 to 13 October 2023, will provide invaluable careers guidance to students in Years 10 to 13 as they consider their options after leaving secondary school and college and help them make informed choices about what and where to study.

Helping to raise aspirations and inspire young people about the fantastic range of careers available in Stockport now and in the future, all sessions are free to attend with a range of resources for students, young people, parents and carers, teachers and careers advisors.

The October event builds on last year’s success, when 27 secondary schools, colleges, sixth forms and further and higher education providers, as well as around 6,000 students in years 10 and 11 were able to take advantage of a number of interactive sessions.

Cllr Wendy Meikle, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education at Stockport Council, expressed her enthusiasm for the event, saying, "Post-16 Careers Week is a fantastic opportunity for young people in Stockport to explore their future prospects and make informed decisions about their education and career pathways. We believe that by providing this platform, we can empower local students to pursue their dreams and contribute to the thriving Stockport community."

Caroline Patten, Programme Director at Stockport Jobs Match, added, "We’re excited to be building on the success of last year’s event. Post-16 Careers Week is such a fantastic opportunity for students and their families to navigate the complex but exciting options available after GCSEs and college. The resources for 2023 are excellent and set to not only inspire students about their future careers, but to connect their aspirations with real-world opportunities here in Stockport.”

For further information about Post-16 Careers Week 2023, please visit the Stockport Jobs Match website.

Highlights of Post-16 Careers Week 2023 will include:

16+ Choices College & Sixth Form Prospectus 2023/24
The 16+ Choices Digital Prospectus for this academic year brings all the information needed to make an informed decision about future education, training and employment plans. It provides an overview of FE and HE study options (from A-Levels to Apprenticeships), a course matrix of what you can study and where, plus a comprehensive listing of all the local colleges and sixth forms – their prospectus, open days, contact information and more.

Evening Q&A Events for Students, Parents & Carers
Join the Live Events for students, parents and carers to learn everything you need to know about heading off to sixth form, FE or HE college, university or starting an apprenticeship.

What’s next after GCSEs? An introduction to 16+ Choices
Tuesday 10th October 7.00pm-8.30pm
An overview of qualifications and training routes after leaving secondary school, with presentations from colleges, sixth forms and apprenticeship providers.
Book free tickets.

What’s next after college? An introduction to 18+ Choices
Thursday 12th October 7.00pm-8.30pm
An overview of qualifications and training routes after leaving college, sixth form or completing an apprenticeship, with presentations for local universities and higher education providers.
Book free tickets

Free resources for students, teachers, parents and carers
Stockport Jobs Match have also created a suite of resources to help start conversations and spark ideas about what comes next for young people. From bitesize videos to complete lesson plans, downloadable career planning tools and free student worksheets, they’re ideal for us in the classroom or for families at home.