FROM teaching to the armed forces, and councils to the police, young people in Hampshire can find out about dozens of potential careers at a showpiece event.

The Solent Skills Festival will return to Southampton for the 11th time on October 22, with hundreds of students, parents and carers expected to flock to the City Cruise Terminal.

Running from 9am to 6pm, it will feature more than 100 exhibitors from industries across Hampshire, who will be on hand to talk to young people about career and apprenticeship opportunities.

Looking ahead The event has been organised by the Solent Education Business Partnership (EBP), and supported by the European Social Fund and local authorities such as Southampton City Council, Eastleigh Borough Council and New Forest District Council.

It will be split into two sessions, with schools and colleges able to bring students along from 9am to 2pm.

And then from 2pm-6pm, parents, carers and young people will be able to go along and talk to exhibitors.

There is no entry price for the afternoon session.

The names at this year’s event vary, from the Daily Echo and Hampshire Constabulary to Southampton Solent University and all three armed services.

Construction firms including Centenary Quay developer Crest Nicholson and Bouygues will have stands, as will Associated British Ports and the University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust.

It will also be a chance for young people to speak to colleges from across the county about courses ranging from hair and beauty and engineering, to computer science and media.

Maureen Tomlinson, deputy chief executive of the Solent EBP, said: “A lot of reports are coming out saying how crucial it is for youngsters to engage with businesses when they are at school, and this gives a perfect opportunity for them to meet employers in a really friendly atmosphere.

“It’s giving young people the opportunity to learn about a whole range of skills, from cocktail making and laying tables to building walls.”

You can find out how to register for the morning session and view more information at solent-ebp.co.uk/projects-events-skills-fest.htm.

Any organisation wanting to exhibit at the festival should email robin.smith@solent-ebp.co.uk.