CWA hosts sixth annual Operation Inspire careers event

College of West Anglia’s King’s Lynn campus welcomed employers, universities, public services and training providers for its annual Operation Inspire event, giving students the opportunity to explore their future career and education options during T Levels week.

Held at the college’s Sports Campus, the event brought together organisations from across a wide range of sectors, including healthcare, public services, the Armed Forces, education, sport and fitness.

Students had the opportunity to meet representatives from organisations including Norfolk Constabulary, Norfolk Fire and Rescue, HMP Whitemoor, RAF Recruitment, RAF Marham, Army Careers, the University of Hertfordshire and Anglia Ruskin University (ARU).

Healthcare and community organisations were also represented, including Norfolk and Suffolk Foundation Trust (NSFT), Tapping House Hospice, The Benjamin Foundation, Home Instead, Orchard Healthcare, Helping Hands and CWA’s School of Nursing.

A strong selection of sport and fitness organisations joined the event too, including Premier Education, Just 4 You Fitness, Snap Fitness, King’s Lynn Soccer School, King’s Lynn Golf Club, Fakenham Leisure Centre and Alive West Norfolk.

Throughout the event, students spoke directly with employers, universities and industry professionals, asking questions, finding out more about different careers and gaining valuable insight into potential next steps after college.

Now in its sixth year, Operation Inspire was originally launched following the impact of the Covid pandemic, helping to ensure Sport and Public Protective Services students had opportunities to engage directly with employers and develop their career aspirations.

As well as introducing students to different companies, industries and job roles, the event gave learners the chance to learn more about educational pathways and potential work experience opportunities linked to their courses.

The event was officially opened by Mayor of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk, Cllr Steven Bearshaw, highlighting the importance of giving students first-hand opportunities to broaden their knowledge of the career options available to them.

Cllr Steven Bearshaw said, “It’s a pleasure to be here today as I am always encouraged to see organisations working together to invest in the future of our community. Today’s event demonstrates exactly that and provides a fantastic opportunity to bring students, educators, employers, and training providers together, all with a shared purpose: helping young people explore the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.”

Lucas Cooper, Head of Admissions, Careers & Businesses at College of West Anglia said, “Operation Inspire is our dedicated careers event for our public sector service faculty spanning sport, health and social care, public protective services and early years. It was great to see so many employers, charities, public sector services such as the prison service, fire service and the police and education providers in one place for our students. Our students took a huge amount from the morning, and it was fantastic to see how engaged they were.”

Becky Davis, Work Placement and Careers Manager for the College of West Anglia, added, ” Operation Inspire continues to be one of our most successful careers events, connecting students with employers from all areas of the public services. Through interactive activities and meaningful conversations, students gain valuable career insights while building confidence and professional networks. The event combines learning with enjoyment, making it an effective and inspiring experience year after year. We are incredibly grateful to all of the employers who give their time and support to make the event possible, helping to inspire the next generation and strengthen the link between education and employment.”

Employers and organisations attending the event were also able to speak directly with students about their industries, the opportunities available and the different routes young people can take into employment.

Marcia Frony O’Shea from The Benjamin Foundation commented, “At The Benjamin Foundation, we offer opportunities across a wide range of roles and sectors, and Operation Inspire is a fantastic way to raise awareness of these among local young people. We want students to recognise that there are many different routes into employment, including career pathways they may not have previously considered. By being here, we hope to inspire young people, broaden their understanding of the opportunities available and help them take those first steps towards their future careers.”

Darren Brown, owner of Kuk Sool Won, King’s Lynn said, “It’s great to be part of Operation Inspire and can show students the different career pathways available to them, particularly within sport and related industries. Events like this help strengthen relationships between the college and local businesses, giving young people a better understanding of the skills and qualifications they need to succeed. As someone who is self-employed, it’s also an opportunity to demonstrate how developing your skills and following your interests can open doors to creating your own career opportunities.”

Operation Inspire forms part of CWA’s wider commitment to helping students develop their career knowledge, connect with industry and make informed decisions about their futures.