An annual careers fair has helped a South Cheshire College student key into a career in the world of IT.

Chris Wayne had no idea that a visit to Congleton Careers Exhibition last year would lead to a full time job.

But that's exactly what happened when he dropped into the fair and began to network with local businesses and organisations in the area.

The 19-year-old is now working full-time at Prism Total IT Solutions and attends the College on a day release scheme every Thursday to learn more new skills on a Foundation Degree in Enterprise Computing.

Chris was browsing through the fair last year when he bumped into a director of Prism Total IT Solutions - an outsourced IT provider based in Congleton.

He explained that he was just completing a BTEC National Diploma in IT at South Cheshire College and was offered a two week placement at the company which was to prove his ability.

The quick-thinking youngster is now a full IT support technician at the Congleton-based company which provides a range of IT outsourced solutions for businesses nationwide.

Chris, of Congleton, said: "I went to the exhibition with an open mind and I just happened to bump into a director of Prism Total IT Solutions who offered me an opportunity to prove my self the same day.

"I've always had an interest in IT and although I knew that was the field I wanted to go into I wasn't really sure how to go about it.

"I'm also really grateful because Prism are paying for me to come to college on a day release scheme to top up my skills on the Foundation Degree programme."

Chris' daily duties at Prism include first line technical support from remote location and second line on site support.

Chris added: "Everyone at college has been a big help. Without their support I could never have landed this new opportunity.

"I've always enjoyed learning and studying a foundation degree on a day release allows me to earn and learn at the same time."

The Congleton Careers Exhibition 2008 gets underway at Congleton Town Hall on Wednesday 5 November (12pm - 6pm).

Anyone can just turn up to the event to gain help and advice with careers and mock interviews and find out more about job opportunities.

Roger Freemantle, Senior Lecturer in IT and Employer Liaison Representative at South Cheshire College said: "We are delighted that Chris is being able to combine his college studies with a full-time job.

"He has been an excellent student during his time with us and thoroughly deserves this break."

To find out more about the Congleton Careers Exhibition please call +44 (0)1270 529619.