STUDENTS at Bedford High School have been getting ready for their next steps at a jobs fair.

A host of prospective employers, apprenticeship providers, sixth form colleges and more filled the school hall for the marketplace-style event.

Year 11 students, getting ready to sit GCSE exams, were able to take a tour of the various stalls and find out what is on offer for them when they leave school in the summer.

Global auditor and advisory giant KPMG led an impressive guest list of employers, with experts from the company on hand to give the young people expert advice on how to break into the professional services industry.

Other employers included Bedford’s school partner supermarket giant Morrisons.

The school is working with the local manufacturing division of Morrisons to identify top quality work placements for their students.

The supermarket team offered advice on potential careers in finance, engineering and human resources.

International food manufacturer and FTSE 250 company Bakkavor also had a stand at the event which gave the students a flavour of the apprenticeship and graduate employment opportunities on offer.

The public sector was also represented with stalls providing information on careers in the NHS and Wigan Council. The young people could also find out more about careers in civil engineering, construction, accountancy and finance and the Armed Forces.

Student leader Mackenzie Wood said: “This event opened my mind to the future career pathway possibilities” while fellow student leader Maiya Libbey added: “Today has helped me explore new opportunities.”

As well as employers, the fair had plenty of representatives from sixth form colleges and training providers including Winstanley, Warrington and Vale Royal, Bolton and the University of Chester.

Bedford High School head teacher Helen Phillips added: “Preparing our students for what they will do when they leave school is at the heart of everything we do at Bedford.

“We encourage our young people to start thinking about their next move long before they leave school so they are well prepared to go out and get what they want.

“Days like this give them valuable knowledge of the qualities and skills they will need to succeed. We are extremely proud of all our young people and from the comments we have received from those employers and organisations who attended, they made a really positive impression.”