HUNDREDS of young people from two Brentwood schools attended the London Cruise Terminal, Tilbury for the Opportunity Thurrock event.

Secondary schools and employers from Brentwood and Thurrock took part in the large scale careers fair held on the banks of the River Thames.

More than 130 exhibitors ranging from local and national employers, further education colleges, universities were on hand to explain pathways into employment and further courses.

Now in its fifth year, this year’s event was organised in partnership between Brentwood Borough Council and Thurrock Council, giving young people access to wide and diverse range of employers and learning institutions.

Speaking at the event, councillor Mark Reed, said: “It was great to see so many big Brentwood employers like Ford and International Financial Data Services along with further education providers keen to attract local young people to give them plenty of options for their futures.

“I really hope the students from our Brentwood schools enjoyed the event and went away with lots of ideas for their education or career journey”.

The Deputy Headteacher of the Endeavour School, Brentwood, Anthony Hattam, added: “Having previously worked in Thurrock I was aware of Opportunity Thurrock and how beneficial it can be for pupils to attend to find out more about the many options that lay ahead of them at the end of year 11. When we were given the opportunity to attend I did not hesitate to take a group of our Key Stage 4 pupils. Although apprehensive on arrival given the size of the event and how busy it was, all of our pupils left with better ideas of pathways they can follow when they leave The Endeavour, it really was a positive experience for all.

“As a school it was a great opportunity to further develop the careers advice we provide pupils, we were also able to make new contacts with employers and post 16 providers and hope to run taster days and workshops in the future for our pupils”.