The Youth Employability and Volunteering Fair was organised by a sub-group from the CYPSP Armagh Locality Planning Group which comprised of representatives from Southern Regional College, DELNI, and Volunteer Now.  This event provided an opportunity for young people to learn more about what their options are in terms of further study and their future career.

227 Young People from some of the Post Primary schools within Armagh City and surrounding areas were in attendance – including St Catherine’s College, City of Armagh High School, St Patrick’s High School, Keady and Lisanally Special School as well as students from Southern Regional College.

Much information was gathered at the various stalls which housed representatives from third level education institutions such as “Queen’s University”, “Ulster University”, “Stranmillis College” and “Belfast Met”; and apprenticeship providers – “Transport Training Services”,  “The Academy Hair and Beauty Training School”, and “Electrical Training Trust”.  Furthermore, the Young People had a chance to learn more about volunteering opportunities which would enable them to support local initiatives, learn new skills and support their employability.  Some of the Volunteer Organisations that attended were “Cedar Foundation”, “Belfast Central Mission” and “Niamh Wellbeing”.

There were many professionals on site to help with career planning ideas, improving CVs and polishing interview techniques especially at the workshops which were facilitated by DELNI, Rutledge Group and Reed in Partnership.

One of the key messages which the event aimed to send out to the young people was to open one’s mind to the wide range of study and career possibilities available – to think outside of the box!

CYPSP would like to thank the schools and exhibitors and workshop facilitators for their attendance and cooperation; EA Transport Services and Jerome’s Coach Hire for transporting the Young People to and from the event; the Orchard Leisure Centre for accommodating the event, and Café Olympus for providing refreshments.Read more…..