‘What Next Skills Show’ inspires more than 1000 students

03 December 2025
students speak with an exhibitor at careers fair
Exhibitors pulled out all the stops to inspire the borough’s next generation, with interactive and informative stalls.

More than 1000 students from 14 Wirral-based schools took over The Hive Youth Zone, Wirral to meet around 60 employers and training providers.

Hosted by Career Connect, on behalf of Wirral Council, the event created an accessible and informative space for young people from mainstream, SEN, and alternative provision settings, to engage with future employers and learn about exciting career opportunities.

Giving our borough’s future workers the chance to explore the world of work is so important.

The What Next Skills Show was an excellent opportunity for young people to interact with various stallholders and activities all centred around their futures and careers.

From the NHS to film making, nuclear engineering to opticians, a large range of jobs, industries and training providers were available to help young people explore their full potential.

Cllr Stephen Bennett, Chair of Wirral’s Children, Young People and Education committee

Exhibitors pulled out all the stops to promote engagement and inspire the borough’s next generation, with interactive and informative stalls.

hundreds of students enjoyed the fair
The event was buzzing with students, stalls and opportunities.

Wirral Met College has attended every What Next Wirral Skills Show at The Hive.

It has been a lot busier than we thought it would be – even more so than last year. The students seem very interested in everything we offer.

Paul Martin, School Liaison at Wirral Met College

Career Connect’s Schools and Colleges team builds on the event year-on-year to enable every student to have a meaningful encounter that promotes opportunities and raises aspirations.

It was exciting to see the buzz in the room as we welcomed our largest number of students, employers and providers to the 2025 What Next Skills Show. 

We’ve taken on board feedback and ideas each year to ensure that our show really meets the needs of students and schools and creates the best environment for meaningful conversations. We’d also like to say a big thank you to all of the employers and providers who showcased the wide range of opportunities across Wirral, and who help make the show what it is.

Chloe Elliott, School and Colleges Operations Manager at Career Connect

If you’re a Careers Leader or hold careers responsibility in your school and would like to know more about how Career Connect can help deliver careers fairs, programmes, and guidance meetings for your students, please contact schoolsinfo@careerconnect.org.uk.

To read about how the What Next Skills Show has grown each year, read their impact story.