GCSE Results Day: Young people discover their next chapter at The BRDG
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Young people across Peterborough were supported to explore their next steps following GCSE Results Day as organisations from across the city came together for a dedicated careers event at The BRDG.
The GCSE Results Day Careers Event – Discovering Your Next Chapter, held at The BRDG on Thursday 20 August, gave young people the opportunity to access careers advice, explore education and employment opportunities and speak directly with organisations that can support them into their next destination.
Hosted by The BRDG, powered by Inspire Education Group (IEG), the event was developed collaboratively with Peterborough City Council and participating partners to ensure young people could access a wide range of support in one city-centre location.
Throughout the event, young people were able to explore routes into further education, apprenticeships and employment, as well as access practical support with CVs, job applications, supported internships and careers guidance.
Organisations attending included Peterborough City Council, Nacro Education Peterborough, REED, JobSmart Peterborough, IEG Apprenticeships, IEG Supported Internships, Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service, Everyone Health, Holistic Wellbeing Service and Reed in Partnership.
The event was designed to provide support not only for those celebrating the results they had hoped for, but also young people who were reconsidering their plans or were unsure about what to do next.
Bringing opportunities together at The BRDG
The event reflected The BRDG's wider role in connecting young people with education, employment, training and support services across Peterborough.
Based at 61 Bridge Street, The BRDG provides a central and accessible space for young people aged 16–24 who are not in education, employment or training, or who may be at risk of becoming so, to access practical support and guidance.
Sadie Carnichan, The BRDG Coordinator at Inspire Education Group, said:
“Results Day can mean very different things for different young people. Some will know exactly what they want to do next, while others may find themselves reconsidering their plans or simply not knowing where to start. Young people could walk through the door, have conversations with different services and discover opportunities they may not have previously considered.
“The BRDG is about making that support easier to access and connecting young people with the people and opportunities that can help them move forward. It was fantastic to see that happening through this event.”
The event formed part of a collaborative approach between The BRDG, Inspire Education Group, Peterborough City Council and participating organisations to help more young people progress towards positive education, employment and training outcomes.
Andrew Pakes, MP for Peterborough, said:
"Results Day can be a nervous time for young people, whichever way their grades go, so it's brilliant to see The BRDG bringing together so many organisations under one roof to help them find their next step, whether that's an apprenticeship, further education or their first job.
“This is exactly the kind of joined-up support Peterborough needs, bringing education, training and employment opportunities together in one place, and giving young people the confidence to move forward with their plans."
Cllr Katy Cole, Peterborough City Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said:
"Getting exam results is an exciting time for young people but it can be highly stressful and leave them feeling uncertain. This helpful event provided reassurance, practical support and real opportunities for young people regardless of their results, whilst showcasing Peterborough as a city full of employment, apprenticeship opportunities and training pathways.
"I would also like to thank all of our partners for organising this event, bringing several services together to benefit young people and in turn helping to develop the city's future workforce."
Arthur, who has received support from The BRDG, said:
“My experience here has been so much fun. I’ve learned a lot of things and the team here has helped me with so many things in my life. I come here every Wednesday for the coffee morning to make new friends, share my experiences and create new bonds.”
Alicia, who was introduced to The BRDG by Arthur, said:
“It’s nice to have a place in Peterborough to relax and have fun with friends, while meeting new people. I’ve spoken to a few people here, and it’s my first time – everyone is lovely, welcoming and inviting. It’s a great place to hang out. Come and join us, have fun and make lots of memories!”
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