Around 100 young people with additional learning needs explored future career options at the What Next? Choose Your Future event at Coleg y Cymoedd’s Nantgarw Campus.
Organised by Careers Wales, the event brought together 17 employers, training providers and colleges under one roof. Pupils had the chance to meet organisations from a wide range of sectors, including technology, healthcare, construction, energy, creative industries and public services.
Throughout the day, pupils took part in hands‑on workshops, tried practical activities linked to real jobs, asked employers questions about different pathways, and spoke with Careers Wales advisers for guidance and support.
Rhian Thomas, business engagement adviser at Careers Wales, said:
“Events like this are invaluable. Young people don't just need information, they need inspiration.
“Meeting someone doing a job they've never even heard of can completely change what they believe is possible for them.”
Employers and educators praised the event for helping to inspire young people’s next steps.
Maddy Thomas from Morgan Sindall Construction, said:
“It’s always fantastic to get involved in Careers Wales What Next events, as we get to meet a variety of students and inspire the future workforce.”
Falesha Lewis, events co-ordinator at Black Mountain College, said:
“These events give students an excellent opportunity to learn more about their potential futures. Bringing so many options together in one place allows them to discover courses and educational institutions they may not have previously known about.”
Exhibitors in attendance were:
- ACT
- Admiral
- Black Mountains College
- Bute Energy
- Cardiff and Vale UHB
- Cardo Group
- Coleg Y Cymoedd
- Communities for Work+
- Cwm Taf Morganwwg University Health Board.
- Educators Wales
- Evans Electrical
- Itec Skills and Employment
- Morgan Sindall Construction
- Network Rail
- Screen Alliance Wales and Wales Screen Academy
- South Wales Police
- Vision 21
- Willmott Dixon
