Sandwell Council’s annual New Year New Start event, hosted at West Bromwich Albion Football Club on Saturday (1 February), was the highest attended event in its 16 year history.
The event, hosted by Connexions Sandwell, saw 2,542 young people/parents attending, which easily beat the previous record attendance of 2,329 in 2024.
The record number of visitors were able to meet 50 exhibitors, all keen to inspire, recruit and educate the next generation of Sandwell young workers.
Connexions advisers were on hand to give independent careers information, advice and guidance. In addition, and one young person on work experience with Connexions helped the event to run smoothly.
Sandwell Council Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Councillor Jalal Uddin, said:
“Sandwell’s young people are the future of the borough. We aim to do all we can to support them in their future careers.
“We also want young people to have their voices heard and this event was no exception. We had lots of positive feedback from young people and their parents, with over 500 event evaluation forms completed.”
One young person who is home educated and has health issues attended with her mother. Both were anxious about next steps but were very pleased to speak with SCL Education to discuss their post 16 offer and how SCL have supported similar young people.
The young person has agreed to attend an interview next week to begin the enrolment process.
The young person also signed up as a volunteer with St John Ambulance. The mother was extremely appreciative of Connexions and revealed she had bought her son with similar issues to NYNS 4 years ago. He is now serving in the Army.
The event was also a huge success with the exhibitors.
A Further and Higher Education Zone with universities, colleges and sixth forms was also at the careers fair to promote the benefits of continuing in education. There was also an Employer Zone with local and national employers, apprenticeships and training providers.
Connexions Sandwell was pleased to host UKSA, a maritime youth charity and world-renowned training centre of excellence based in the Isle of Wight.
The charity commented they had a:
“Fantastic day of meaningful conversations with young people” and that they “will absolutely be back.”
The Royal Navy said the event was: “One of our crown jewel events in recruitment.”
“Lots of interest and take-up of our apprenticeships”, commented Doocey Group plc.
CILEX reported "lots of genuine interest" in their law apprenticeships.
“Excellent event, well attended and good conversations”, Aston University.
The King’s Trust said they “Met lots of people...” and asked, “please invite us back next year.”
The next big Connexions event will be the Careers EXPO at the SHAPE Festival at Sandwell Valley Park on Saturday 12 July 12-3pm.
Connexions Sandwell offers face-to-face appointments on Mondays and Thursdays between 10am and 2pm. You will need to book an appointment – call us on 0121 569 2955. You can find us at the One Stop Shop, Sandwell Council House, Freeth Street, Oldbury, B69 3DB.