From 16 to 19 March, UTC Portsmouth hosted Destinations Week 2026, a focused programme designed to support students in preparing for their next steps beyond college.
Throughout the week, students took part in a range of activities including mock interviews, an Employer Partner Careers Fair, industry talks and a guest lecture. Each element was designed to provide practical experience, build confidence and offer insight into future career and education pathways.
Mock Interviews with Employer Partners
Over 200 Year 10 and Year 12 students participated in mock interviews, supported by 33 volunteer interviewers from our Employer Partners and local businesses.
These sessions gave students the opportunity to practise their interview technique in a professional setting. Students also received individual feedback on their CVs and performance, helping them to identify strengths and areas for development.
This experience plays a key role in preparing students for real interviews, apprenticeships and future employment opportunities.
Employer Partner Careers Fair
The Employer Partner Careers Fair brought together 15 organisations from a range of industries, alongside universities.
All students had the opportunity to speak directly with employers and education providers, gaining a clearer understanding of different career pathways. Conversations focused on entry routes, required skills and real-world experiences, helping students make informed decisions about their futures.
Industry Insight and Guest Speaker
As part of the week, students also attended industry talks and a guest lecture from Paula Reid, adventure psychologist and explorer.
Paula shared her experiences and spoke about the importance of resilience, offering students a different perspective on personal and professional development. It was positive to see strong attendance at this optional session, with students engaging with her insights and experiences.
Supporting Future Success
Destinations Week is a key part of UTC Portsmouth’s careers programme, ensuring students are well prepared for their next steps.
By combining employer engagement, practical experience and personal development, the week supports students in building confidence, developing employability skills and exploring the wide range of opportunities available to them.
We would like to thank all of our Employer Partners, volunteers and guest speakers for their support in making this week a success.