On 1 October 2026, BMECP Centre proudly hosted its Employment & Careers Fair, bringing together employers, community organisations, students, job seekers, and career changers for a day focused on creating pathways into employment and professional development.
The event was designed to support individuals from Black and Minority Ethnic communities to connect directly with employers and organisations in a space where they feel represented, welcomed, and comfortable. By bringing employers into the heart of the community, we aimed to break down barriers to employment, build confidence, and create meaningful opportunities for attendees to explore their next steps.
Bringing Employers and Communities Together
We were delighted to welcome 10 employers and organisations from a range of sectors, providing attendees with the opportunity to learn about vacancies, apprenticeships, training programmes, volunteering opportunities, and career pathways.
Participating organisations included:
- Wates
- Sussex Police
- Brighton & Hove City Council
- Kingdom People
- NHS
- Community Works
- Govia Thameslink Railway
- Afro Hair Academy
- And other local employers and support organisations
Throughout the day, attendees were able to engage in one-to-one conversations with employers, ask questions, gain insights into different industries, and discover opportunities that matched their interests and ambitions.
A Diverse Range of Attendees
One of the highlights of the event was the diversity of people who attended. We welcomed:
- College students exploring future career options
- University students seeking work experience, placements, and graduate opportunities
- Individuals looking for employment
- People considering a career change
- Community members looking to develop new skills and explore training opportunities
The event provided a valuable platform for attendees at different stages of their professional journey to access information, advice, and connections that can help shape their future careers.
Positive Feedback from the Community
The feedback received from attendees has been overwhelmingly positive.
Many participants appreciated seeing employers come directly into a community space where members of Black and Minority Ethnic communities feel comfortable and represented. Attendees highlighted the value of having direct access to employers in an informal and welcoming setting, allowing them to ask questions, build confidence, and learn more about potential career pathways.
We were particularly pleased to receive positive feedback from Brighton MET ESOL students, who praised the organisation of the event and welcomed the opportunity to engage directly with employers. For many students, the fair provided a unique chance to learn more about the local labour market, develop their professional networks, and gain confidence in speaking with prospective employers.
Showcasing Opportunities at BMECP
Alongside external exhibitors, BMECP volunteers were on hand throughout the day running our own information stand.
The team spoke with attendees about volunteering opportunities within BMECP, the support services available through the organisation, and ways to become more involved in community activities and projects. These conversations highlighted the important role volunteering can play in building skills, confidence, networks, and pathways into employment.
Support from Our Trustees
We were also delighted to welcome two of our Trustees, who joined us during the event to show their support and engage with both employers and attendees.
Their presence reinforced BMECP’s ongoing commitment to creating opportunities for our communities and fostering strong relationships with employers and partners across Sussex.
Looking Ahead
The success of the Employment & Careers Fair demonstrates the value of creating spaces where employers and communities can connect directly. Events like this help open doors, build confidence, and ensure that people from diverse backgrounds can access the information, networks, and opportunities needed to thrive.
We would like to thank all the employers, organisations, volunteers, trustees, and attendees who contributed to making the event such a success.
We look forward to building on this momentum and continuing to create opportunities that support inclusion, employment, and community empowerment across Brighton & Hove and Sussex.
Interested in future events, training opportunities, or volunteering with BMECP? Follow our social media channels and keep an eye on our website for upcoming opportunities.
