Around a hundred 16–18-year-olds from across Liverpool took the next step in planning their futures at the first Liverpool Careers Fest.
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Liverpool Career Fest 2023 took place at Crawford House on Thursday 20 July 2023, where Career Connect has a base. More than 35 employers, training and apprenticeship providers were in attendance to offer advice and guidance.
These included Merseycare NHS Foundation Trust, The Learning Foundry, Nike, Liverpool in Work, Liverpool Community College, and Liverpool Football Club. There were also demonstrations from the MPCT (Military Preparation College for Training).
Career Connect staff were also on hand to provide impartial careers advice and guidance on the day.
The event opened with a star turn from Tiara and Hayla from The Voice Kids.
Young people also had the chance to enter a prize draw to win vouchers and prizes including sweet hampers and a Liverpool FC training top.
The Start of a New Partnership
Career Fest also marked the start of Career Connect’s new contract with Liverpool City Council to deliver support for young people. The charity has worked with Liverpool City Council for a number of years, and was recently appointed for a new contract.
Career Connect teams will work with young people aged 16-18 (and up to 25 with an Educational Health Care Plan) across Liverpool to provide impartial careers information, advice and guidance.
There is a particular focus on supporting the most vulnerable groups including young people who have an education health care plan, those being supported by the youth offending service, and who are looked after or leaving care.
“It is our combined goal to create meaningful and sustainable opportunities.”
At the opening of the event, Lila Bennett, Cabinet Member for Employment, Skills and Educational Attainment (0-19) said: “It’s our priority as a council that our young people have access to good quality careers advice to help them gain the necessary skills and experience to secure a decent job. It’s a great pleasure to announce Career Connect as one of our partners, and it is our combined goal to create meaningful and sustainable opportunities for all.
“We fully believe – (we – that is everyone that is in this room) – in making a difference and giving our young people a chance to change or improve their lives for the better.
“I can feel the passion of the people here today. I hope this is the first of Career Connect and Liverpool City Council’s opportunities to hold something like this again.”
“Youth employment strengthens our workforce and drives innovation.”
Cllr Rahima Farah, who represents the Toxteth Ward said: “I’m happy that we have an organisation like Career Connect based in the heart of the community. This enables easy access for young people to get the information and advice and guidance they need to be supported into education, employment and training, by qualified professionals.
“The future of our society rests upon the shoulders of young people that walk amongst us, and providing them with meaningful jobs and opportunities is the key to unlocking their true potential.
“When we invest in our youth by offering them jobs, apprenticeships and internships, we empower them to learn, to grow and contribute positively to our society.
“Youth employment strengthens our workforce and drives innovation. Moreover, youth employment plays a pivotal role in tackling societal challenges such as poverty, crime and inequality.
“It empowers [young people] to be the change agents that we need.”
“We’re passionate about helping young people to find that right path for them,”
Career Connect CEO Sheila Clark said: “We’re passionate about helping young people to find that right path for them, and we do this by working in partnership with other agencies right across the city.
“We’re looking forward to continuing our work with Liverpool City Council. This new contract marks the next phase of our work with young people, helping to improve their futures.
“We know we’re facing really difficult times at the moment economically, and that young people, particularly those already the most disadvantaged, are facing the most challenges. That is something that Career Connect is fully committed to working with partners, alongside local communities, to address right at the local level.”
To contact the Liverpool Youth Careers service, delivered by Career Connect, contact:
Or call 07890 267159
