I enjoyed the atmosphere of the fair the most. It was energetic, full of opportunities, and gave me the chance to speak directly with professionals who were enthusiastic about helping young people plan their futures. Being able to explore so many different pathways in one place made the whole experience exciting and motivating. 

The legal and security services stalls stood out to me the most, especially those representing law firms and organisations offering solicitor apprenticeships. They provided clear explanations of the solicitor pathway, the skills needed, and what day to day work in the legal field looks like. I found it inspiring to hear directly from people working in the profession I want to pursue.

The most useful thing I learnt was how accessible the solicitor apprenticeship route can be. I discovered that it’s possible to qualify while gaining real experience and earning at the same time, which made the career feel much more achievable. Hearing about the structure of the programme and the support apprentices receive was especially exciting.

The event helped me feel far more confident about my future because it gave me a clearer understanding of the steps I need to take. Speaking with employers made the process feel less intimidating, and I left with a stronger sense of direction and reassurance that there are multiple routes into the legal profession.

I would definitely recommend the fair to other students because it’s a rare chance to explore so many career options in one place. Whether someone knows exactly what they want to do or is still figuring things out, the fair offers valuable insights, real conversations with employers, and practical guidance that can shape their next steps.

Vajahat Hussain [13C]

What I enjoyed most about the apprenticeship fair was the chance to speak directly with professionals from the finance sector and explore the various pathways into the industry. Being able to ask questions and hear real experiences made the information much more engaging and easier to understand.

I found the stalls for banking and accounting firms especially interesting. The representatives explained the different roles available, how salary progression works, and the practical skills I could develop through their apprenticeship programmes. This helped me gain a clearer picture of what a future career in finance might look like.

The most useful insight I gained was learning about the growing opportunities in financial technology [FinTech]. I was surprised by how many companies now offer apprenticeships that include digital and technical skills, showing how the industry is evolving. Overall, the fair broadened my understanding of the finance sector and gave me confidence about the range of options available.

Amandeep Singh [13D]

At the apprenticeship fair at the ExCeL Centre in London, I really valued the opportunity to speak directly with employers and explore a wide range of career pathways. One highlight was the radiography stall, which clearly explained how healthcare apprenticeships can lead to essential NHS roles and outlined the training routes in a way that was easy to understand.

I was particularly interested to learn that apprenticeships allow you to earn while gaining recognised qualifications, with many programmes offering clear routes into higher-level positions. This helped me see how apprenticeships can provide strong long-term career prospects.

Overall, the fair boosted my confidence by showing that there are multiple pathways to success beyond university. I would definitely recommend it to other students, as it offers a valuable chance to explore different options, ask questions, and make meaningful connections with employers.

Nusayba Kasmi [12C]