Tipped as the next star of British hip-hop, local celebrity Master Shortie was the special guest at a recent Connexions event, ‘Opportunity Knocks’. The careers event held at theCivic Suite, Wandsworth Town Hall, was aimed at young people aged between 13 to 19, from the borough.

 

Master Shortie is an ex-client of Connexions Wandsworth, the information, advice and guidance service for young people in the borough.  Master Shortie sat on a panel of music professionals to impart valuable knowledge about the music industry at the event.  He also gave a talk to the 350 plus, audience of young people, parents, employers and professionals, encouraging the young people to aim high and to acquire all the guidance they can from Connexions Personal Advisers.  Master Shortie’s career started with an introduction to his manager Kwame, the founder of the Urban Festival Music Seminars by his Connexions PA at a previous Opportunity Knocks event.

 

The event is organised on behalf of Connexions by Prospects Services with the aim to raise awareness of education, training and career opportunities in South London and to provide young people from the borough with practical information, advice and encouragement to help them choose the career path that is right for them. 

 

Opportunity Knocks provided young people with one-to-one sessions with local employers, universities, colleges, and training providers. Connexions staff were on hand to help with information and guidance on career choices, advice on qualifications, alternative related careers and barriers they may encounter.

 

A host of activities including stage performances from dancer Stefan who performed on BBC Three’s series ‘Tell it like Michael Jackson’, an unsigned artist, Akua from a local school, promoting the release of her first record and  students from the  Battersea Art Centre, performing a Beat Box, entertained all who attended.

 

Chris Heaumes, Head of Central London Connexions, said: “I received very positive comments from the young people and their parents and I am very pleased with what Connexions in Wandsworth have achieved.”

 

This is the seventh year for ‘Opportunity Knocks’ and the annual event is eagerly anticipated   by the young people of Wandsworth each year.

 

From a Delegate: “The young people appear informed and asked really good questions, it is great to see them attending in their own time during the school holidays. We look forward to this event annually; it is always so well attended”.

 

From Young Person: “This is a fantastic event, it should be held more often, it really helps to increase your knowledge about the different job opportunities and it is worthwhile attending.”

 

From a Parent: “A really good event, it has helped to raise my son’s awareness of what is involved in becoming a doctor, when will the next event be held?”