Hello Future and Office for Students

Virtual education fair showcases future options available for Cumbrian students

Press Release - Monday 16 November 2020

Virtual education fair showcases future options available for Cumbrian students.

Students from across Cumbria will be able to access information, advice and guidance at an upcoming further and higher education virtual opportunities fair.

Hello Future, led by the University of Cumbria, is a partnership of universities, further education and skills providers across the North West region. They have been working together to create the Hello Future Expo, a virtual event that will provide young people with information about their next steps after school or college.

Participating organisations will be available on the day and attendees can interact by visiting their virtual booths and asking questions via the chat function. There will also be virtual presentations that will provide useful information to help with future decisions such as ‘Post 18 options and how to decide what to do’ as well as information on studying, finance and interview techniques. There will be real people to provide advice and guidance to attendees and assist students on their personal journey.

Hello Future is part of the Uni Connect Programme, a national programme funded by the Office for Students. Uni Connect aims to support the government’s social mobility goals by rapidly increasing the number of young people who go into higher education, particularly those from underrepresented groups.

Lisa Jackson, programme manager for Hello Future said: “We are really excited to host the first Hello Future Expo for Cumbrian students. We are aware that many young people may be confused or concerned about their next steps, especially at the moment, so we made the decision to come together as a partnership to showcase all of the opportunities on offer within the local area. This is particularly important at a time when face to face visits are not possible. We also provide support to parents, carers, teachers and advisors. Let us help you, to help them. There will be specific resources and information tailored to those key supporters”.

Professor Julie Mennell, Vice Chancellor at the University of Cumbria said “We are proud to lead the Hello Future programme and bring together key partners to support our young people across Cumbria. With the many challenges they are currently facing, there has never been such an important time to support and equip them to realise their talent and ambition.

"Working together as a collaborative partnership ensures we can provide a range of advice and support which is tailored to individuals, so that they can make the right choice for them, whilst also playing our part in increasing progression into further and higher education, ultimately supporting the local economy and skills shortages within the area.”

The virtual fair will take place on Saturday 28 November 1-4pm. To sign up, visit: https://hellofutureexpo.vfairs.com/

The Hello Future partnership is led by the University of Cumbria, together with BAE Systems, Carlisle College, Cumbria County Council, Cumbria LEP, Edge Hill University, Furness College, Kendal College, Lakes College, Lancaster University, Lancaster & Morecambe College, Myerscough College, Newton Rigg College, NHS Better Care Together, University of Central Lancashire and the React Foundation.

ENDS

Photographs

  1. Lisa Jackson, programme manager, Hello Future

 

2. Professor Julie Mennell, vice chancellor, University of Cumbria

 

3. Hello Future Expo

 

For further information contact Adam Riglar, of Hello Future, via adam.riglar@cumbria.ac.uk or University of Cumbria communications officer Kelly Pattison via kelly.pattison@cumbria.ac.uk or 07977223258.

Notes

  1. Hello Future is one of the local hubs that make up the Uni Connect Programme funded by the Office for Students. The Office for Students is the independent regulator for higher education in England. Their aim is to ensure that every student, whatever their background, has a fulfilling experience of higher education that enriches their lives and careers. Across England, the local hubs help 1,613 schools and colleges to deliver impartial advice and activities to over 180,000 students and their parents and carers.
  2. Hello Future works with young people from targeted areas across Cumbria, to ensure that everyone is able to make informed and inspired choices about their future, whoever they are, wherever they’re from. From information and practical sessions in schools and colleges, to projects and experiences in the community and with employers, Hello Future gives those who aren’t sure if college or university is for them a new perspective on higher education.
  3. Hello Future works closely with key stakeholders, teachers, advisors, parents and carers to support the conversation around higher education and create opportunities to develop the skill needed for continued education and training.
  4. The OfS Uni Connect Programme – impartial advice and guidance on college and university.