Some of the county's largest employers partnered with Suffolk New College to help bridge the gap between education and industry at the first FutureSkills Fair on 04 November.
The big picture: More than 3,000 students from 35 schools across Suffolk attended the event, exploring opportunities in sectors from construction to creative industries.
Why it matters: The fair aimed to help young people make informed decisions about their futures by connecting them directly with local employers.
The details: Over 70 businesses provided interactive activities and guidance.
Sectors represented included construction, energy, leisure, tourism, ports, logistics, sports and retail.
Employers in attendance included Ipswich Town Football Club, Sizewell C and the RAF.
14 local and regional companies provided financial sponsorship for the event.
What they're saying: "The Suffolk Chamber of Commerce is passionate about supporting initiatives that bridge the gap between education and industry," said Yvonne Hargreaves, head of communication and marketing at the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce.
"It's a one-stop shop to explore different avenues and enable the young people to make a more informed decision on what to do next," said Kevin Page from John Grose Group, one of the event's sponsors.
The student perspective: Rio Lewis-Samuel, 13, from Chantry Academy, said: "There were lots of simulators for you to try out and I found the event useful. I'd say the day has been engaging and interesting."
What's next: Suffolk New College principal Alan Pease suggested the event could become a regular fixture, saying it "brought the community together to support the next generation."
