Over a thousand people visited the college to speak to employers about job and apprenticeship vacancies, receive careers advice and take part in a range of activities.
The day succeeded in bringing the world of work, jobs and skills to life; opening young people's eyes to the exciting career opportunities available to them locally.
Aspire gave job seekers, school children and college leavers the chance to meet top employers such as Premier Inn, London Heathrow, the Metropolitan Police, Rush Hair & Beauty, Brentford Football Club and Asda to name a few. Employers were impressed with the calibre of the students and filled live job and apprenticeship vacancies on the spot.
Speaking to Asda at Aspire
Dave Purvis from European Springs and Pressings was looking for engineering apprentices and saw several strong candidates. Premier Inn Manager, Ryan Silvera, commented, "We're pleased to say that Premier Inn have offered jobs to three visitors to the West London Careers Experience at West Thames College."
For adults needing advice the National Careers Service was on hand together with independent careers advisers from the college, who delivered a CV clinic and provided guidance for under 19 year olds throughout the day.
The 'have a go' activities were popular with children from Isleworth and Syon and Gunnersbury School, who were particularly keen to master the truck driving simulator courtesy of System Training.
The day was brought to a close by Brentford and Isleworth MP Ruth Cadbury and Principal Tracy Aust who both highlighted the skills shortage and the valuable contribution made by the college to equip local people with the skills they need.
Ruth Cadbury speaking to Student Union president and student ambassador Navjit Kaur
This echoed sentiments expressed earlier in the day by Council Leader, Steve Curran, who commented on the ‘positive community atmosphere and the key role the college plays in supporting Hounslow residents into work'.
Steve Curran with staff from Jobcentre Plus and Graeme Baker, Executive Director West Thames College
