MAJOR employers and students came together for an annual careers fair established by Witham's MP.

Following the success of the re-established careers fair, which took place in July last year, Priti Patel has held an improved fair with more international and regional employers in attendance at Maltings Academy in Witham, on Friday, March 24.

Braintree and Witham Times: Priti Patel during her visit to the exhibition stand of the Careers Fair sponsors Priti Patel during her visit to the exhibition stand of the Careers Fair sponsors (Image: Stuart Gulleford)

The fair was attended by more than 500 students from Maltings Academy, Rickstones Academy, Thurstable School and Witham Sixth Form.

Sponsorship from Stansted Airport enabled students to travel from other local schools to the fair.

Braintree and Witham Times: Priti Patel with staff on the Airbus Defence and Space exhibition stand at her Careers Fair.Priti Patel with staff on the Airbus Defence and Space exhibition stand at her Careers Fair. (Image: Stuart Gulleford)

Students could meet and discuss career prospects with employers from international, national and Essex-based businesses and a wide range of organisations involved in careers and skills development.

Ms Patel said: "I have held several careers fairs over the last decade because I believe that students should have every chance to access many of the opportunities presented.

Braintree and Witham Times: Priti Patel visits the Anglia Ruskin School of Medicine stand at the Careers FairPriti Patel visits the Anglia Ruskin School of Medicine stand at the Careers Fair (Image: Stuart Gulleford)

"My careers fairs are all about bringing some of Britain’s best employers together to inspire and encourage students about how they can fulfil their potential.

"I would like to thank the headteacher of Maltings Academy, Sherry Zand, for hosting and organising the event."