Local businesses are being encouraged to sign up ‘the best young talent’ in East Cambridgeshire as hundreds of students are expected to turn up to this year’s careers and skills fair.

The event, which takes will be held at Ely Cathedral, aims to enable year 11 and sixth form to talk to the districts top employers.

Students from the four secondary schools in East Cambridgeshire and those from King’s in Ely will be taking part in the day.

The fair will take shape in the form of speed networking, Q&A sessions and exhibitions.

It also aims to highlight to local young people the skills and qualifications they need to get jobs in certain sectors, as well as to signpost the careers available on their doorstep.

Steve Cheetham, councillor and leader of economic development at East Cambridgeshire District Council, said last year’s fair was an “outstanding success.

“It gave our young people the chance to meet some of the businesses in the district and learn what was required to work for them.”

Anne Bailey, director of Form the Future CIC, added: “There’s no better way for students to get inspiration for their future careers than to speak with people doing a range of jobs.” Evelyn Forde, principal at Ely College, said that working in partnership with local businesses is “essential.

“Our students will be able to have meaningful conversations, discuss career opportunities and have a clearer understanding about the skills and qualifications needed by future employers”, he added.

Among the businesses taking part are: Potter Logistics, Whiting & Partners, Michell Instruments Ltd, Purcell, NatWest/RBS and Thorlabs.

The fair takes place on Wednesday October 21 from 8.30am.