People in business share careers advice and tips

The Ip Switch business advice and careers event held at St Mary's Church, Hadleigh. (Image: Archant)

People working locally in a wide range of careers and businesses shared their knowledge and experiences, at a special careers and jobs fair at St Mary’s Church, Hadleigh on Thursday evening.

The first Ip Switch careers fair was conducted in speed dating style; with the adult representatives of diverse careers - from teaching and acting to hospitality and health services, sitting behind desks - and the youngsters moving on after a couple of minutes chat.

The event was the idea of the deputy mayor of Hadleigh, Sue Monks.

Sue said: “I hope this is the first and it will grow, with more jobs and professions represented.

“I am really pleased we have done it and the young people seem to be enjoying it.

“The support of all these busy people has been great.

“If it means we have opened the eyes to the possibilities for one of these youngsters we will have achieved something.

“It would be good to do it in the High School in term time.”

Local mum Kate Betts, a nurse at the local health centre, was there giving advice on getting into work in the health service.

Kate, who has two children aged 12 and 9, said: “This is a good idea. I went away to train in nursing and came back to Hadleigh.

“It is good for young people to find out more about the jobs that are out there.”

Professions represented were wide ranging; from estate agency to the police, the hospitality business and teaching, varioushealth professions, manufacturing and design.

There was even a professional actor David Redgrave, who has appeared on stage and screen, who told youngsters about his varied career

Miss Monks added: “I have had some lovely feedback.

“Talking to the youngsters afterwards they were really animated. They said they found it really good and helpful.

“And the adults said they found it inspiring.

“We would love to do another one in the Spring.”