Adult Skills Careers Fair Connects Learners with Local Opportunities

Event offers insight into employment, volunteering and further study

Adult Skills learners at Bradford College attended a Careers Fair on 23 June aimed at providing information and connections to support their future career and learning pathways. The event brought together a range of local employers, community organisations and college services to engage with students and share opportunities in employment, volunteering and education.

Local organisations and employers participate

The fair featured representatives from various organisations, including:

• Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust
• Aire Rivers Trust
• The Conservation Volunteers
• Canal & River Trust
• Bradford Environmental Education Service
• Horton Community Farm
• Friends of Horton Park
• Yorkshire Wildlife Trust
• Groundwork
• YOR Green CIC
• Get Outside More CIC
• Bradford College Construction Skills Academy
• Close Watch Security
• Bradford College Job Shop

In addition to these, an interactive Virtual Reality (VR) stall was available, introducing learners to digital immersive learning and demonstrating the role of technology in future skills development.

Learner engagement and experiences

Throughout the day, learners had the opportunity to ask questions and explore various career pathways. Some learners shared their perspectives on the event:

• Abdulrahim Mohammed Osman, an ESOL learner, said he enjoyed speaking with different people and learning about new opportunities.
• Bilal Mahmood, preparing to progress to Level 3 Counselling, highlighted the importance of events that connect learners with employers and organisations to understand available opportunities.

Community partnerships and skills development

The event also highlighted the benefits of partnership working between the college and local organisations. ESOL learners shared how involvement in volunteering and outdoor learning projects had helped improve their English, develop practical skills, build confidence and foster community connections.

Pippa, a ranger from Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, commented on working with ESOL students over a year-long project, noting their enthusiasm, skill development and the positive impact of the collaboration with Bradford College staff.

Staff reflections on the event

Seima Mahmood, Interim Curriculum Area Manager for ESOL, described the Careers Fair as successful in demonstrating learners’ ambition and engagement with employment and training opportunities. She noted the event’s role in supporting confidence and employability skills.

Ummera Iqbal, Head of Department for Adult Skills, emphasised the importance of connecting learners with opportunities to turn aspirations into achievable goals. She expressed satisfaction with the event’s outcomes in helping learners build professional networks and gain insight into future career options.

The Careers Fair reflects Bradford College’s ongoing efforts to support adult learners in exploring and accessing pathways to employment, volunteering and further education.