With one in five graduates currently unemployed, a new event helped give students in Norwich fresh hope and inspiration. KATE SCOTTER reports.

Students concerned about the challenges of finding a job after college were yesterday given the chance to quiz leading local employers.

The students' employABILITY event took place at the StartUp Lounge at City College Norwich.

It gave students the chance to network with leading local employers, ask critical questions and find out how to stand out and secure the job opportunities that are available.

The all-day event was the brainchild of foundation degree leisure and events management students Barbara Reed and Starbuck Friend.

Miss Reed, 25, who lives near the University of East Anglia, said: 'We wanted to provide a platform for students to not only learn and interact with their industry, but to get the best advice on topics such as how to use social media to get a job and improve their interviewing techniques from some of the best in the business.

'The important thing is the philosophy that if there's something you really want to do then the opportunity is out there. In all this doom and gloom, we need to inspire students and give them hope.'

The day was divided up into sections for students interested in different industries, covering sport, health and community studies, marketing and media, hospitality, leisure, tourism and beauty, entertainment and media, and technology and engineering.

For each sector, representatives from a range of companies gave students industry-specific advice and tips on how to get their first job after college. Students were also give the chance to put their questions to panels of employers in 'Industry Question Time' sessions, network with the panel members, participate in job skills workshops and get one-to-one advice and support.

Miss Friend, 21, who lives near Magdalen Street, said: 'We've had quite a range of students come in and it's gone pretty well.

'We've had a good turn-out and the workshops have been going well. I think we've helped give students a bit of hope they will be able to get into employment and find a job they want.'

Employers which took part in the event included Evening News publishers Archant, Byfords, Create, Eaton Vale Activity Centre, Future Radio, The Lively Crew, LJ, Lotus, MG Hair and Beauty, Theatre Royal Norwich and Tribe PR.

Have you got an education story? Call Victoria Leggett on 01603 772468 or email victoria.leggett@archant.co.uk.

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