University careers event inspires students

An event organised by the University of Derby designed to inspire year 12 and 13 students to start planning their future careers has been hailed a success.

The two-day Build your Career event, which was recently held at the university’s Kedleston Road campus, saw more than a thousand pupils meet with leading employers and expert academics.

It featured an employer showcase, including organisations such as Rolls-Royce, University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust and Alstom, who talked to visitors about work experience and internship opportunities.

There was also a special guest session with Baasit Siddiqui, a University of Derby graduate and educational consultant who is well-known for his appearances with his family on Channel 4’s Gogglebox.

Professor Siobhan Neary, professor of career development practice and head of the university’s international centre for guidance studies, said: “Knowing where to start is often the challenge, but events such as this are a brilliant starting point.

“Having the opportunity to learn about a wide range of options including university, apprenticeships and degree apprenticeships all in one place helps to generate ideas of what the future might look like.”