Stockport Council and Stockport Jobs Match launch Post-16 Careers Week 2025

Stockport Council, in partnership with Stockport Jobs Match, is gearing up to host Post-16 Careers Week 2025 – a week-long virtual careers fair designed to showcase the fantastic education, training and employment opportunities available to young people in Stockport and beyond.

Taking place from Monday 29th September to Friday 3rd October, the event will provide free, impartial careers guidance to students in Years 10 to 13 as they consider their options after leaving secondary school and college. The week aims to raise aspirations and inspire young people, helping them to make confident and informed decisions about what and where to study, and the exciting career paths available locally.

The event builds on the success of last year, when 27 schools and colleges and over 6,000 students took part, exploring interactive sessions and resources designed to connect aspirations with real-world opportunities.

Cllr Wendy Meikle, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education at Stockport Council, said:

 “Post-16 Careers Week is an exciting opportunity for young people and their families to explore future pathways. By bringing together schools, colleges, employers and training providers, we can help ensure every young person in Stockport has the tools, knowledge and confidence to make informed choices about their future and take that next important step.”

Caroline Brown at Stockport Jobs Match added:

“This year’s programme is bigger and better than ever. We’ve worked hard to create engaging resources and events that simplify the decision-making process for students and their families. From our Digital Prospectus to new bitesize video content filmed with local employers, we want to make career planning clear, accessible and inspiring for all.”

Highlights of Post-16 Careers Week 2025

Digital College & Sixth Form Prospectus 2026
The brand-new Digital Prospectus provides everything students need to know about post-16 education and training options starting September 2026. It features:

• Details of all local colleges, sixth forms and training providers
• Course comparisons and information on different qualifications, including A-Levels, T-Levels, BTECs and Apprenticeships
• Key dates for open evenings and applications
• Virtual tour links and contact details for further support

Accessible on mobile, tablet or desktop, it’s the perfect starting point for planning the next stage of education or training. Download your copy here.

Evening Webinars for Students, Parents & Carers
A series of live, interactive online sessions will run throughout the week, giving students and families the chance to hear directly from local education providers and employers. Book your free tickets here.

• Choosing to Study A-Levels – Monday 29th Sept, 7.00–8.00pm
  Learn about subjects, applications, results day and enrolment.
  Speakers include: Aquinas, Loreto, Hazel Grove, Marple and Xaverian Sixth Form Colleges.
• Studying T-Levels, BTECs & NVQs – Tuesday 30th Sept, 7.00–8.00pm
  Discover vocational qualifications and practical, skills-based learning routes.
  Speakers include: Stockport College, The Manchester College, PURE College, The Growth Company and local employers.
• Apprenticeships at 16+ and 18+ – Wednesday 1st Oct, 7.00–8.00pm
  Explore earning while you learn and hear from apprenticeship providers and employers.
  Speakers include: Manchester Metropolitan University, Nexperia, Stockport Homes Group and others.
• SEND & EHCP Lunchtime Live – Thursday 2nd Oct, 12.30–1.30pm
  Specialist advice for young people with SEND or an EHCP, and their families.
  Speakers include: PACT Stockport, PURE College and local support services.

Free Resources for Schools, Students and Families
Alongside the live events, Stockport Jobs Match has created a suite of resources to spark conversations and inspire ideas, including:

• Over 50 bitesize careers videos, with new clips for this year filmed at Stockroom with local employers and young people
• Downloadable worksheets, including a Skills Builder, Budget Planner, and Plan B Checklist
• Lesson plans and activities for schools to integrate into careers education

All resources and event bookings are available via the Post-16 Careers Week webpage