Career and Opportunities Fair
Extending reach and impact for young people
The 2025 Careers and Opportunities Fair, coordinated by Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) Shetland and led by team leader Nina Høgmo, provided young people with direct access to employers, training providers, and advice services. The annual event, held at the Clickimin Centre, is a key part of Shetland’s employability landscape, designed to broaden horizons and help young people plan their next steps.
More than 50 exhibitors took part, offering information on apprenticeships, vocational training, and career pathways across sectors including health, energy, and hospitality. Workshops and interactive demonstrations gave pupils practical insight into different professions, while advisers were on hand to discuss CV writing, interview techniques, and routes into employment.
Impact
The fair attracted a wide range of pupils from secondary schools across Shetland, alongside parents and carers who play a vital role in career choices. Teachers noted the value of pupils being able to engage directly with employers and training providers, with many commenting that the event sparked conversations in class about future aspirations.
Feedback from exhibitors was equally positive, with organisations recognising the fair as an opportunity to connect with young people and raise awareness of their sector. Several reported follow-up enquiries and applications as a direct result of the event.
Quotes from participants underlined the impact:
“It helped me think about what I want to do after school – I didn’t know there were so many different opportunities.”
“Talking to the employers gave me more confidence about applying for jobs.”
A short film of the event was produced to showcase its reach and atmosphere, which can be viewed here or below: Shetland's Careers and Opportunities Fair 2025
Learning and next steps
The 2025 event built on the success of previous years by extending its reach through greater involvement of partners and new promotional efforts. Collaboration with schools was strengthened, ensuring pupils were well-prepared to get the most from the day. Exhibitors appreciated the chance to share ideas and connect with other organisations, highlighting the fair’s value as a networking event as well as a careers showcase.
Looking ahead, DYW Shetland plans to continue developing the fair in partnership with schools and employers, ensuring it remains relevant to the changing needs of young people and the local economy.
Contribution to the Shetland Partnership
- Participation: Enabling young people to take part directly in shaping their future opportunities.
- People: Supporting skills development, confidence, and employability.
- Place: Strengthening links between schools, employers, and training providers across Shetland.
- Money: Helping young people into work, boosting the local economy, and reducing future skills gaps.