The details: The Suffolk FutureSkills Fair takes place on Monday, 3 November, running from 09:00-15:00 at the Rope Walk campus in Ipswich. Major employers taking part include Sizewell C, Morgan Sindall and John Grose.
What's on offer: Sectors being represented include construction, energy, leisure and tourism, ports, logistics and retail. Students will take part in hands-on activities, including a pit-stop challenge run by John Grose, and discussions about net-zero careers at the Sizewell C stand.
Other sponsors include Anglian Larder, ABP, Barnes Construction, Chassis Cab, Cory Bros, Kier, J McCann, Riverhills Health Club and Spa, Suffolk Chamber of Commerce and S&P Ventilation Services.
What they're saying: Organisers say the event is about optimism and aspiration. Charlotte Rossiter, the event organiser, said: "We want young people in the county to dream big and be optimistic about their futures, and this is why we have joined forces with many partners to create this event for the second year running."
So far, 3,000 students have signed up to attend. She added, "We want to give them information about all of the amazing job opportunities that there are in this county and make them aware of some of the brilliant companies that they can work for."
Steve Syrett, a service director for John Grose, said: "The college means a lot to me as I did some training here many years ago. They provide our technicians of the future. We are going to do several activities, including a pit stop challenge."
Elliot Murphy, a skills development manager at Sizewell C, said: "Suffolk New College help us deliver the skills we need to help deliver this enormous project. In terms of the Suffolk FutureSkills Fair, we will be in the Net Zero hub talking with thousands of students. I think the reach of the college is pretty spectacular, and everyone should consider attending this event to access this future skills pipeline."
Alister Broadberry, an area director for Morgan Sindall, said: "I'm a local lad and I've been in and around the college a lot of my working life, so it really means a lot to me. We will be bringing some of our apprentices along to the fair to talk to the youngsters about all of the exciting opportunities in the industry. I'd say to others – get involved."
The bottom line: The fair represents a major investment by employers in inspiring the next generation of Suffolk workers. Schools and businesses can still sign up via www.suffolk.ac.uk/futureskills-fair or by contacting organiser Charlotte Rossiter on 01473 382856 or email charlotterossiter@suffolk.ac.uk
