Hundreds of young people with additional needs got a taste for their future at Surrey County Council’s 2026 Transitions Fair.
More than 300 young people attended the Surrey County Council-hosted event which brought together over 30 exhibitors and 19 schools from across the county.
This event enabled young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to understand the options available for their transition from education to employment, further education, training or social settings.
Now in its second year, the fair at the council’s Woodhatch Place HQ in Reigate attracted enthusiastic participation from attendees aged 14 to 25.
It was organised by Surrey Careers Hub, which connects schools and colleges with employers to inspire the county’s future workforce.
Tim Oliver, Leader of Surrey County Council, shared his positive reflections on the success of the fair:
“The Transitions Fair is one element of Surrey’s education, skills and training offer for young people. Surrey County Council is committed to ensuring that every young person in Surrey, regardless of their educational needs, has access to the resources and support that will help them succeed, with no one left behind.
“It is inspiring to see so many young people actively exploring the range of options open to them for their future. I’m sure those attending left feeling inspired and enthused about their futures.”
What the fair covered
The event’s 30-plus exhibitors included colleges and educators, employers, employment support organisations, apprenticeship providers and social settings. All were dedicated to offering valuable guidance and information to help attendees make informed choices about their next steps.
A bespoke film featuring representatives from Surrey County Council’s facilities management contract was commissioned to demonstrate to students the people and the jobs that keep Woodhatch Place a safe, welcoming and accessible working environment. Students were inspired to hear about the types of roles available, learning how staff came to be employed in those roles and how they are continuing to enjoy their roles and grow their careers.
Before the fair started, exhibitors were introduced to Understand Us, who use first-hand lived experience to help organisations improve their services for both customers and employees who live with a learning disability.
One enthused student from The Park School commented: “Thank you so much. I loved it. I know so much more now about what I can do after school.”
And a teacher from Oxted School said “A fantastic opportunity for students who needed additional support and guidance about their future with some amazing exhibitors at hand, who had time to explain their products in a very patient and easy to understand manner.”
Exhibitors also found the event to be highly successful and worthwhile attending, with one representative from Activate Learning commenting: “Events like this play a vital role in ensuring career fairs are accessible to everyone, offering meaningful interactions and opportunities that are achievable for attendees.”
To find out more about Surrey Careers Hub, and about the skills, training and employment support that Surrey County Council can provide, visit STEP Surrey, our skills, training and employment portal today at: www.STEPSurrey.co.uk
About Surrey Careers Hub
Surrey Careers Hub plays a vital role in connecting education with employment, helping all young people, including those with additional needs and disabilities, to identify and progress to their best next step. At the heart of the Careers Hub is the belief that every young person deserves the strongest possible start to adult life, with the freedom to choose their own path and achieve their full potential.
The Surrey Careers Hub sits within Surrey County Council’s Economy and Growth Team. Working in partnership with The Careers and Enterprise Company, it collaborates with careers leaders, educators, employers and training providers to inspire and prepare young people through high-quality, modern careers education fit for the 21st century.
List of exhibitors:
Achieve Together
Activate Learning
Adult Services
Ambitious College
Art Venture
Brooklands College
Choice Care Group
Consensus Support
Skills, Training & Employment Portal – STEP Surrey
County Care
Derwen College
Dramatize
Early Years Workforce Development
Edge Disability
Family Information Service
The Grange
Halow Project
Jigsaw Plus
Linkable
MIT Skills
Nescot
nviro
Orchard Hill College
Parity
Professional Training Solutions
Ringway
SEND Advice Surrey
Skills Bootcamps
Sunnybank Trust
Surrey Choices
Surrey Youth Voice
Voluntary Action South-East
Voyage Care
