Continuing a string of successful careers-based events, Huish recently hosted its 2026 CareerFest, giving students the opportunity to delve deeper into different progression pathways and think about their options once they leave college – all whilst having fun in the process!
Year 1 students rotated between a carousel of careers and progression-based activities. This included inspiring talks on ‘Your Future’ from Huish Principal Emma Fielding and Vice Principals Becky Flower and Laurie Morgan and a talk on ‘The Power of Local Connections’ in the Lecture Theatre with Bethan Turner, Membership and Events Manager at Taunton Chamber of Commerce, which highlighted the importance and benefits of networking.
Students were also able to sign up for multiple 20-minute ‘mini-talks’ on useful topics: Unlocking Your Strengths to Power Successful Applications, The Science of Procrastination, Gap Years, Choosing Your University or Course, Writing a Personal Statement, CV Writing, Student Life & Finance, Not Sure What’s Next? Options on Leaving Huish, Degree Apprenticeships and Using Social Media for Careers.
The highlight of the day was the careers fair, which saw over fifty employers and universities with exhibition stands in the Sycamore Sports Hall. Students had the chance to chat to the exhibitors, ask questions, discover progression options they may not have previously known about, come away with plenty of merchandise and freebies and make use of the photobooth! 
Lunchtime was a chance to have some fun and the sunny weather definitely helped; Willow Green became a hive of activity, with a festival-themed afternoon complete with a DJ, barbecue, magic tricks, bubbles, a student caricature artist, ice cream and doughnut vans, and the Huish Tiger (students had fun guessing which staff member had taken on the role!).
The day was rounded off with a reflective ‘Forward Planning’ session with Huish teachers, and the chance to win a voucher through stamps collected by talking to external guests throughout the course of the day.
It was a chance for Year 1 students to think about their next steps and to feel more confident about the wide range of progression options available to them once they complete their studies.
A spokesperson for the Huish Careers team said: “CareerFest is an opportunity for students to step away from their usual timetable and focus on their future. Through employer and university exhibitors, careers-focused mini-talks, networking opportunities and sessions designed to help them reflect on their strengths and aspirations, students are able to gain valuable insights into the many pathways available.
“The festival atmosphere encourages students to engage confidently with guests, make meaningful connections and explore new ideas about their next steps. It’s a brilliant example of the comprehensive progression support we offer here at Huish, helping students feel informed, inspired and excited about their futures.”
Huish thanked everyone who had shared their expertise and helped make the day a success.
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