The annual Your Choice event, hosted by Connexions Oldham was held at the Queen Elizabeth Hall on Wednesday 8th November. The event which brings training providers, schools, colleges, and potential employers for pupils post year 11 was attended by over 2500 pupils and parents, almost doubling the number attending last year’s event.
‘The attendance was phenomenal, we certainly didn’t expect that many people, but it goes to show pupils and parents take great care and consideration when looking at options post year 11’ says Steve Murphy Connexions Director of Operations. ‘Connexions recognises what a crucial time Year 11 is for pupils, and how the decisions you make after GCSEs can shape the rest of your life; that’s why we organise this event to allow pupils to make informed choices about their future.
’ The exhibition provided pupils and parents the opportunity to:
- Visit a range of stands and talk to potential employers, schools, and colleges
- Engage in a range of interactive sessions ranging from Beauty Therapy demonstrations, to animal care – complete with real animals.
- Attend talks on Education Maintenance Allowances, Options after Year 11, and University options
- Speak to a Connexions Personal Adviser on post year 11 options
One Oldham parent commented, ‘It was reassuring to see my son has so many options available for him after his GCSEs’ and one of the students commented ‘My only trouble now is deciding what I want to do when I finish school because I have too many choices!’
The event was held from 2.30-7.00pm on Wednesday 8th November, and Connexions would like to thank schools and exhibitors for their help and support for making the event so successful. The Army Careers Service who attended last year remarked on the success of the event ‘There were twice as many people as last year. The interest was massive which will hopefully result in an increase in applications.’
All young people aged 13-19 in the Oldham area have access to a Connexions Personal Adviser who can provide information, advice and guidance to young people on a variety of issues, or they can call into the Connexions Centre on Union Street open 5 days a week from 9.00am to 5.00pm with a late night opening on a Thursday.
For further information on the Your Choice Exhibition please contact Nyree Hood, Marketing and Communications Officer for Positive Steps on 0161 621 9395 or e mail nyreehood@positivestepsoldham.org.uk Or Steve Murphy, Director of Operations for Positive Steps, on 0161 621 9350
