THOUSANDS of school pupils attended a careers convention in Colchester.

Colchester Careers Convention was held at the Weston Homes Community Stadium and is focused on giving Year 11 pupils a chance to survey their options as they embark on their career.

Organised by the North East Essex Training Alliance, the event attracted representatives from Colchester Institute, Colchester Sixth Form, Flaktwoods, Atkins, Boydens estate agents and the EssexUniversity Edge Hotel School.

The Gazette's editor, Colin Channon, and reporter Ryan Jennings also spoke to students about careers in journalism.

Paula Deighton, who organised the convention, said: “There is a real onus on pupils to look at what they are going to do between 16 and 18.

“The law now means they have to be in education or training until they are 18.

“In effect, it means they cannot leave school at 16 and go and work in a shop.

“So, our plan here is to give them the opportunity to see what they can do in the future.

“It’s not just about what route they take, but more about making sure the route they take is right for them.

“They need to understand while they might see, perhaps, BT as a company, that it isn’t just about phones – there are management jobs, administration jobs and marketing jobs and that applies to almost all companies.”

The event is in its fourth year and Mrs Deighton, who is also a teacher at the Stanway School, said it has grown every year.