The recent Mayo Careers Fair held in GMIT, Castlebar, was a huge success with an attendance of over 1,600 students, lifelong learners and family members – and now the multi-agency organising committee are planning to expand it still further in 2021.
Over 50 stands, including third-level and Post-Leaving Certificate colleges, apprenticeship providers, employers and career service providers, exhibited at the fair.
The event was organised by Mayo Local Community Development (LCDC ) Education & Training Working Group, and was supported by Mayo County Council/Mayo.ie; MSLETB; the HSE; Mayo Local Employment Services; Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP ); GMIT; Údarás na Gaeltachta; South West Mayo Development Company; Mayo LCDC; and Mayo North East LEADER Partnership.
Pat Howley, Chairperson, the LCDC Education and Training Working Group said: "It was choc-a-bloc all day long. Over 1,600 people came to visit the wide range of stands and we got tremendous feedback. Next year we will have some further tweaks to further enhance this popular event.
"We also had a broad range of speakers talking about budgeting for college, grant aid and funding, overseas study options, apprenticeships, mental health care, nutritious and budget-friendly food, alternative routes to college, scholarships and bursaries,” he added.
"The 2021 event has been pencilled in for Saturday, January 9, and many of the exhibitors have already confirmed their attendance. This year, we emphasised the value of the fair to lifelong learners, and this proved to be a very popular feature – we will be expanding that element next year too.”
A full roster of speakers delivered talks and presentations various ancillary rooms in the venue throughout the day.
Chief Officer of Mayo LCDC, Síofra Kilcullen added: "The Mayo Careers Fair is a fantastic example of local organisations pooling resources to provide practical up-to-date information on potential educational paths and career options for prospective learners."