A careers festival for Powys students taking place in Llanelwedd got underway earlier today, Wednesday March 6.

Around 3,000 students from high schools, special schools and the NPTC Group of Colleges are expected at the event which was opened by Brecon and Radnorshire AM Kirsty Williams this morning.

Over 100 exhibitors, including employers, universities and colleges, the armed forces and other organisations, including the voluntary sector, will be giving young people the opportunity to hear from industry experts first hand in an event designed to show Powys students the opportunities available to them when they leave full time education.

The interactive careers and skills festival is organised by the Positive Pathways Powys partnership – a multi-agency group made up of Powys County Council, Careers Wales, Secondary schools in the county, the NPTC Group of Colleges, Cambrian Training and the Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations. The partnership aims to highlight to young people the opportunities available to them when they leave school or college.

Kirsty Williams, Assembly Member for Brecon and Radnorshire, said:

“Leaving compulsory education can be a huge step in anyone’s life. I want young people to have the information they need to make the best decision for them, so I was delighted to be able to open the Powys Careers Festival today.

“There were a wide range of people to speak to and potential employers to interact with, as well as hands-on workshops and demonstrations. I hope it was beneficial for our young people who attended.”

Jackie Parker, head teacher at Crickhowell High School and Positive Pathways Powys Group chair added: "We've had really positive feedback from the two festivals we've organised to date and we are planning for 2019 to be better than ever."

"We pride ourselves on making the festivals a useful day for our young people, sometimes opening their eyes to career pathways which may have not previously occurred to them. For other young people, it's a case of giving them an opportunity to chat with people already operating in the field that they are interested in."