News

Fantastic turn out for Labour Market Partnership Careers Fair in Strabane

21 March 2023

Almost 500 students turned out this week, for the second of two careers Fairs being held by Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Labour Market Partnership, the first one being held earlier this month at the Foyle Arena.

Eighteen exhibitors from a range of occupational areas attended the careers event, which provided a very useful platform for students to explore potential career opportunities and pathways.

At the event students were given the opportunity to interact with the various career sector exhibitors, ask questions and even had the opportunity to take part in a range of hands-on activities. The event proved to be a real success and sparked some healthy competition between students taking part in various mini competitions held on the day.  

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Councillor Sandra Duffy, said the event had been a great success. “We have some wonderful companies based here in Strabane, Derry and across the  North West attend here today.  This is a fantastic talent base of young students keen to study and work in the North West. Events such as this provide the perfect opportunity for employers to connect with young people before they begin making their career choices to ensure they have all the information they need to make informed decisions, taking into account all the opportunities available locally.”

Labour Market Partnerships have been set up in each local Council area with action plans tailored to meet the needs of each individual area, combining resources, and delivering a joined-up and flexible approach to employability support. The wider programme is being delivered by Councils, supported by the Department for Communities.  

Speaking on behalf of the Derry and Strabane Labour Market Partnership, Council Skills Manager Tina Gillespie, said there had been a really positive response from both employers and students.

“The LMP aims to bring employers, education and skills providers, and the local community and voluntary sector together, to maximise opportunities and engage more effectively with job seekers. Careers Fairs provide a great opportunity for companies and skills providers to get their information out there and tap into the great pool of up-and-coming talent coming through our schools and colleges. We’ve had great feedback from all the schools and companies who participated in the event, and I’m confident that it will help some of the students identify new career pathways for the future.”

Joanne Sweeney project director from GMEX said the event was a huge success. She said: “On behalf of GEMX, I would like to congratulate the Council for the recent Careers Fairs. I attended the events to provide a collective voice for the GEMX network and several of our companies also had a presence. The event provided a range of information sources for attending students and all stands had been asked to provide interactive activities. This encouraged students to engage and get involved in conversations with the attending employers and educational providers as they travelled through the event. GEMX looks forward to supporting similar events in the future with the Council.”