The future arrived at Shrewsbury College yesterday, and it meant business.
The college was delighted to welcome students aged 14+ from five local schools, before opening our doors to families and the wider community. We were especially proud to host a quieter SEN-friendly session, ensuring every young person felt comfortable, and able to make the most of the event.
The momentum didn’t let up.
From media giant BBC, to engineering powerhouse Babcock, and food industry leader Müller, students had the chance to meet some of the region’s most inspiring employers. Each brought a unique perspective on what it takes to succeed in their industries, and how to follow your own path.
Throughout the day, we had the chance to ask employers a simple question: “What advice would you give your 16-year-old self?” Michael Thomas, Site Training Instructor at Babcock, shared:
“Have self-belief and confidence to push yourself that little bit further. Back yourself, because you’re the only one that can make it happen.”
The halls were full of curiosity and just a hint of healthy chaos! It was fantastic to see attendees thriving at the interactive stands; trying out VR experiences, racing simulators, and even sinking basketball shots with Pure Gym. Meanwhile, Spotlight Talks offered a peek behind the scenes of different careers, letting students hear what it’s like to turn passion into reality.
By blending immersive experiences with insightful talks and practical workshops, we designed the day so every student could find their spark - whether through doing, watching, or asking.
This sentiment was echoed in a post shared by J&PR:
“We are genuinely inspired by the questions, energy, and ambition we are seeing today. The future of communications appears to be in good hands.” - we couldn’t agree more.
BBC Shropshire’s Paul Shuttleworth even joked on LinkedIn:
“I wonder if I spoke to my future boss.” - The students certainly made an impression!
Alongside the Careers Fair, our Further Education and Higher Education Open Evenings also took place, drawing fantastic attendance. A huge thank you goes to our dedicated staff teams, who ensured every event ran seamlessly from 12pm right through to the evening.
The feedback from employers speaks for itself. Severn Partnership shared:
“It was fantastic to speak with so many engaged students about the different routes into surveying, apprenticeships, and early career opportunities within our industry. A special thank you to Shrewsbury College for hosting such a well-organised event.”
Looking Ahead
Created specifically to meet the needs of employers and young people in Shropshire and Mid Wales, Routes2Careers 2026 exceeded expectations in its very first outing. With students exploring, and making connections across a campus full of energy, we’re only getting started.
We hope every young person who walked through our doors left feeling empowered, encouraged, and excited for what comes next.
Because at Shrewsbury College, we know this:
You are not behind.
You are just at the beginning.
And the future is yours to take.