Over 200 young people attended Surrey Careers Hub’s successful Transitions Fair at Surrey County Council’s Woodhatch Place, Reigate, as part of National Careers Week (Friday, March 7, 2025).
This event was specifically created to enable young people being educated in specialist schools and alternative provision to understand the options available for their transition from education to employment, further education, training or social settings.
The event saw enthusiastic participation from 12 Surrey schools, bringing together over 200 students.
The event was supported by over 20 exhibitors, including colleges and educators, employers, employment support organisations, apprenticeship providers and social settings, all dedicated to offering valuable guidance and information to the young people in attendance.
The Careers Hub also partnered with Macro staff employed on the council’s facilities management contract to showcase to students the people and the jobs that keep Woodhatch Place a safe, welcoming and accessible working environment.
Matt Furniss, Surrey County Council Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport, and Economic Growth, attended the event to meet with students and exhibitors. He shared his positive reflections:
“The Transitions Fair is a testament to our commitment to ensuring that every young person in Surrey, regardless of their educational needs, has access to the resources and support they need to succeed, with no one left behind. It was inspiring to see so many young people engaging with the exhibitors and exploring the range of options for their future.”
Clare Curran, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Lifelong Learning said: “This Transitions Fair, and the work of the Surrey Careers Hub in general, is so important in helping to ensure Surrey children and young people with additional needs and disabilities are informed about the range of opportunities available for them as they head towards adulthood. I’m sure those attending left feeling inspired about their futures.”
A teacher who attended said: “The fair was well organised, quieter and catered well to the needs of our students. The short film [about Macro staff] was brilliant and extremely engaging. All my students loved it and felt a sense of empowerment that they too can go and work for Surrey County Council in all different departments.”
Students were highly engaged and appreciated the opportunity to meet exhibitors. One commented: “Orpheus has amazing music program, flats on campus and help with getting houses once you’ve left. Sounds amazing.”
While another said:
“I loved talking to the ‘Project Radio’ people and this is something where I can see myself going.”
The Surrey Careers Hub plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between education and employment, ensuring that all young people, including those with additional needs and disabilities, have the opportunity to find their best next step. The Careers Hub ethos is that every young person deserves the best possible start to their adult life: to choose their own path and fulfil their potential.
Surrey Careers Hub sits within Surrey County Council’s Economy and Growth Team. In partnership with The Careers and Enterprise Company, the Careers Hub works with Careers Leaders, educators, employers and training providers to inspire and prepare young people in education with modern, 21st century careers education.
Exhibitors in attendance:
Activate Learning
Ambitious College
Choice Care Group
Consensus Support
County Care
Dramatize
Early Years Workforce Development
Eurovia
Family Information Service
Jigsaw Plus
Linkable
Macro
My Employment Passport
Naturally Talented Me
Nescot
NHS
Orchard Hill College
Post19
Ringway
SEND Advice Surrey
SMP Alliance
Surrey Choices
The Orpheus Centre
Surrey News 
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