Hundreds of young people with additional needs explored their future opportunities at Surrey County Council’s 2026 Transitions Fair.
More than 300 young people attended the event, which brought together over 30 exhibitors and representatives from 19 schools across the county. Designed to support those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), the fair helped attendees better understand their options when moving from education into employment, further education, training or social settings.
Now in its second year, the event was held at the council’s Woodhatch Place headquarters in Reigate, and saw enthusiastic participation from young people aged 14 to 25. It was organised by Surrey Careers Hub, which works to connect schools and colleges with employers, helping to inspire and prepare the county’s future workforce.
Tim Oliver, Leader of Surrey County Council, shared his positive reflections on the success of the fair:
“The Transitions Fair is one element of Surrey’s education, skills and training offer for young people. Surrey County Council is committed to ensuring that every young person in Surrey, regardless of their educational needs, has access to the resources and support that will help them succeed, with no one left behind.
“It is inspiring to see so many young people actively exploring the range of options open to them for their future. I’m sure those attending left feeling inspired and enthused about their futures.”
Highlights of the fair
The event featured more than 30 exhibitors, including colleges, educators, employers, employment support organisations, apprenticeship providers and social settings. Each organisation was on hand to provide valuable advice and information, supporting attendees to make informed decisions about their next steps.
A bespoke film was also commissioned for the event, showcasing representatives involved in Surrey County Council’s facilities management contract. The film highlighted the people and roles that help keep Woodhatch Place a safe, welcoming and accessible environment. Through this, students were introduced to different career paths, learning how individuals entered their roles and how they continue to develop and progress in their careers.
Ahead of the fair, exhibitors were introduced to Understand Us, an organisation that draws on first-hand lived experience to help organisations improve services for customers and employees with a learning disability.
Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive. One enthused student from The Park School commented: “Thank you so much. I loved it. I know so much more now about what I can do after school.”
A teacher from Oxted School said, “A fantastic opportunity for students who needed additional support and guidance about their future with some amazing exhibitors at hand, who had time to explain their products in a very patient and easy to understand manner.”
Exhibitors also praised the event, highlighting its accessibility and impact. A representative from Activate Learning commented: “Events like this play a vital role in ensuring career fairs are accessible to everyone, offering meaningful interactions and opportunities that are achievable for attendees.”
To find out more about Surrey Careers Hub and the skills, training and employment support available from Surrey County Council, visit STEP Surrey, the county’s skills, training and employment portal, at: www.STEPSurrey.co.uk
About Surrey Careers Hub
Surrey Careers Hub plays a key role in bringing together education and employment, supporting all young people—including those with additional needs and disabilities—to identify and move forward with their next steps. At its core is the belief that every young person deserves the best possible start to adult life, with the freedom to choose their own path and achieve their full potential.
The Hub sits within Surrey County Council’s Economy and Growth Team. Working in partnership with The Careers and Enterprise Company, it collaborates with careers leaders, educators, employers and training providers to deliver high-quality, modern careers education that prepares young people for the world of work.
List of exhibitors:
Achieve Together
Activate Learning
Adult Services
Ambitious College
Art Venture
Brooklands College
Choice Care Group
Consensus Support
County Care
Derwen College
Dramatize
Early Years Workforce Development
Edge Disability
Family Information Service
The Grange
halow Project
Jigsaw Plus
Linkable
MIT Skills
Nescot
nviro
Orchard Hill College
Parity
Professional Training Solutions
Ringway
SEND Advice Surrey
Skills Bootcamps
Skills, Training & Employment Portal – STEP Surrey
Sunnybank Trust
Surrey Choices
Surrey Youth Voice
Voluntary Action South-East
Voyage Care
