The Transitions Fair welcomed over 200 young people with additional needs and disabilities to Surrey County Council’s Woodhatch Place in Reigate to explore future opportunities. It was created by Surrey Careers Hub as part of National Careers Week.

This event was specifically created for young people educated in specialist schools and alternative provision. It helped them understand the options available for their transition from education to employment, further education, training or social settings.

The event saw enthusiastic participation from 12 Surrey schools, bringing together over 200 students.

The event was supported by over 20 exhibitors. This includes colleges and educators, employers, employment support organisations, apprenticeship providers and social settings. All offering valuable guidance and information to the young people in attendance.

Surrey Careers Hub also partnered with Macro staff employed on the council’s facilities management contract to showcase to students the people and the jobs that keep Woodhatch Place a safe, welcoming and accessible working environment.

Learn more about opportunities in Surrey via our Inspire section.

Transitions Fair – why it matters

Matt Furniss, Surrey County Council Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport, and Economic Growth, attended the event to meet with students and exhibitors. He shared his positive reflections:

 “The Transitions Fair is a testament to our commitment to ensuring that every young person in Surrey, regardless of their educational needs, has access to the resources and support they need to succeed, with no one left behind. It was inspiring to see so many young people engaging with the exhibitors and exploring the range of options for their future.”

Clare Curran, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Lifelong Learning said: “This Transitions Fair, and the work of the Surrey Careers Hub in general, is so important in helping to ensure Surrey children and young people with additional needs and disabilities are informed about the range of opportunities available for them as they head towards adulthood. I’m sure those attending left feeling inspired about their futures.”

A teacher attending said: “The fair was well organised, quieter and catered well to the needs of our students. The short film [about Macro staff] was brilliant and extremely engaging. All my students loved it and felt a sense of empowerment that they too can go and work for Surrey County Council in all different departments.”

Students were highly engaged and appreciated the opportunity to meet exhibitors. One commented: “Orpheus has amazing music program, flats on campus and help with getting houses once you’ve left. Sounds amazing.”

While another said: “I loved talking to the ‘Project Radio’ people and this is something where I can see myself going.”

About Surrey Careers Hub

The Surrey Careers Hub plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between education and employment, ensuring that all young people, including those with additional needs and disabilities, have the opportunity to find their best next step. The Careers Hub ethos is that every young person deserves the best possible start to their adult life: to choose their own path and fulfil their potential.

Surrey Careers Hub sits within Surrey County Council’s Economy and Growth Team. In partnership with The Careers and Enterprise Company, the Careers Hub works with Careers Leaders, educators, employers and training providers to inspire and prepare young people in education with modern, 21^st century careers education.

Transitions Fair Exhibitors

• Activate Learning
• Ambitious College
• Choice Care Group
• Consensus Support
• County Care
• Dramatize
• Early Years Workforce Development
• Eurovia
• Family Information Service
• Jigsaw Plus
• Linkable
• Macro
• My Employment Passport
• Naturally Talented Me
• Nescot
• NHS
• Orchard Hill College
• Post19
• Ringway
• SEND Advice Surrey
• SMP Alliance
• Surrey Choices
• The Orpheus Centre

Thousands of young people in Surrey have been inspired and fired up about their futures thanks to the 2024 Surrey Festival of Skills. 

From supercars to snakes, cooking masterclasses to computer game demonstrations, there were opportunities galore for students to explore at the Surrey County Council event.

More than 2,000 students aged 14 to 18 packed into Surrey Sports Park in Guildford. They could meet, great and connect with dozens of employers, universities, FE colleges and training providers. 

The aim was to showcase the fantastic opportunities on offer to them in Surrey, both now and in the future. 

Highlights included hairdressing masterclasses, samosa making, VR headsets and a McLaren supercar. 

There were also animals aplenty – with snakes, stick insects and lizards joined by a horse-riding simulator and robotic dog. 

Young people who attended the free event described it as “impactful”, “rewarding” and “fantastic”. 

Tim Oliver, Leader of Surrey County Council, opened the event. He said: “Now in its second year, the Surrey Festival of Skills is a fantastic platform for organisations across the county to showcase the array of opportunities available to our young people.

“Surrey has a vibrant and diverse economy, built on foundations of innovation and collaboration. We’re committed to working with public and private partners to grow our economy further while delivering benefits to our communities. 

“But we can only do this with a skilled and engaged workforce. That’s why it’s so important to showcase the brilliant careers and training available to students right here on their doorstep.”

What is the Surrey Festival of Skills?

The Surrey Festival of Skills is open to all young people in education aged 14 to 18. This is regardless of whether they are educated in school, college, at home or by any other educational route. 

It is organised and funded by Surrey County Council, with support from the Association of Learning Providers Surrey (ALPS).  

Sponsorship for the 2024 edition was provided by consumer health company Haleon and highways services provider Ringway. 

More than 80 exhibitors took part representing a diverse range of industries. They included household names like Balfour Beatty, Siemens, McLaren, the Royal Navy and London Gatwick Airport. 

Specialist sectors such as gaming, cyber security, osteopathy, adult social care and early years were also present.

All of Surrey’s further and higher education providers attended, along with a range of independent training providers. 

Public sector careers were championed by the Animal & Plant Health Agency, National Highways, NHS, Surrey Police and Surrey Fire & Rescue. 

“A day to remember”

Matt Furniss, the Council’s cabinet member for Highways, Transport and Economic growth, said: “Once again, the Surrey Festival of Skills has delivered a day to remember for everyone that took part.

“We know days like this can play a huge impact on the choices young people make when they leave school or college.

“I want to say a big thank you to all our exhibitors for once again supporting this fantastic event, especially our sponsors Haleon and Ringway. Thanks to their support, we can ensure this event remains free and accessible to thousands of young people across Surrey.”

Lewis Bridgman, Business Unit Manager at Ringway, said: “Ringway are committed to supporting local talent and building a brighter future for young people in our county. We believe in investing in skills and creating opportunities that pave the way for rewarding careers for a diversity of talent within the highways industry. Together we can build strong foundations for tomorrow’s workforce. Ringway are proud to have sponsored the 2024 Surrey Festival of Skills.”

Abeera Mohammad, STEM Lead at Haleon said: “Haleon are proud to have sponsored the Festival of Skills this year. As a world-leading consumer health company with our Headquarters based in Surrey, we were excited to promote STEM careers and give back to the community.”

You can find about more about the event on the Surrey Festival of Skills website.

Please note: the Surrey Festival of Skills is taking a break in 2025. There are lots of opportunities for young people to engage with employers in Surrey. Just contact the STEP Surrey team to discover more.