College Representatives Attend SEN Careers’ Fair in Wimborne

A Dorset Careers Hub event specifically designated for students with SEND (Special Educational Needs & Disabilities) provision was held for the second year, this time at Wimborne’s Allendale Centre on Wednesday, 7^th May. Last year it was held in Merley, outside of Wimborne. 

Attendees spent time in one room networking and learning where there were exhibitors representing local education options, where the second room was dedicated to employers, volunteering and support agencies supporting with best next steps

Students attending the Bournemouth and Poole College stand were treated to a spinning wheel to win goods, and given information about courses and pathways. There was a steady stream showing interest and enthusiasm throughout the day.

Yasmin Brown, from Dorset Careers Hub said: “We hold different careers events in different areas of the county. Last year, we held the first ever Discover Your Future: Skills and Transitions Fair for students with SEND needs – welcoming students to an accessible and interactive careers event, who may find other careers events overwhelming – and we were overwhelmed with the positive response from exhibitors, our schools and colleges, so this year, we have held the event in a bigger venue. Dorset Careers Hub, in partnership with Dorset and BCP Council, represents 81 schools and colleges across Pan Dorset, connecting education and employers to improve careers provision across the region. Our role is to help young people across Pan Dorset progress into promising careers and fulfil their potential.” 

Emily Bailey, School Liaison Manager at Bournemouth and Poole College, who attended the careers fair with Irene Smith (Careers Advisor for SEND at the college), said: “There are so many amazing options available for students with SEN – and a careers’ fair dedicated to SEN students – is brilliant. It gives the students a sense of independence over their learning – a space where they can ask questions directly themselves, plan their futures and aren’t solely reliant on information given to them in schools.”

Some of the employers and support agencies at the event included: Parent-Carers Together, Aureos/ SSE (Southern and Scottish Electricity), Discovery Supported Employment, National Trust, Silverwood Farm, Corfe Mullen, Wates Construction, Flourish in Nature and Curtiss-Wright/Ultra Energy.