Delivered by the Antrim and Newtownabbey Labour Market Partnership, the event welcomed 1,116 attendees and featured 54 exhibitors, with hundreds of people eager to explore education, training, and employment opportunities.
Organisations which participated represented sectors such as engineering and manufacturing, construction, hospitality and tourism, healthcare and social care, childcare, creative industries, transport and logistics, public services, and universities from Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, England and Scotland.
A key highlight of the event was the Have a Go Zone, where attendees could try hands-on career experiences across a range of sectors.
Advanced Scaffolding NI offered virtual reality scaffolding and miniature scaffold building, Northern Regional College provided virtual reality welding, and CAFRE demonstrated horticulture and interactive sports turf management.
Other interactive activities allowed participants to explore careers in hospitality, transport, creative industries, and public services, gaining practical insight into real workplace skills.
The evening also featured career talks from local industry leaders, including Galgorm, Balloo Hire and Schrader Electronics / Sensata Technologies, offering insight into pathways in hospitality, engineering, manufacturing and aerospace.
Funded by the Department for Communities, Labour Market Partnerships create targeted employment action plans for council areas, allowing for collaboration at local and regional level to support people towards and into work.
The Deputy Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Julie Gilmour, who attended on behalf of the Mayor, Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick, said: "I am delighted to see so many young people, jobseekers, and career changers coming together at the Theatre at The Mill for this Careers and Apprenticeship Fair.
"Events like this are vital for connecting our community with real opportunities in education, training and employment. We are pleased to help so many young residents take the first step towards an exciting future right here in Antrim and Newtownabbey."
The fair provided an invaluable opportunity to speak directly with employers and training providers, explore apprenticeship and education pathways, and access careers advice in an engaging and supportive environment.
1. Contributed
Deputy Mayor chats to David Meeke from Baloo Hire Photo: Submitted
2. Contributed
Jennifer McAlorum from Screen Academies Photo: Submitted
3. Contributed
The Deputy Mayor chats with Ruth Cole and Lisa Millar from Dennison Commercials Photo: Submitted
4. Contributed
Luke Brown meets the Deputy Mayor at the Work+ stand Photo: Submitted