A major careers event aimed at inspiring 14-16 year olds is set to take place at Suffolk New College on 4 November, with 3,000 youngsters already signed up to attend.
Why it matters: The FutureSkills Fair will bring together businesses, industry experts, and educational establishments to help young people make informed decisions about their future careers.
The big picture: With 35 companies already involved from sectors including construction, energy, leisure and tourism, logistics and retail, the event aims to showcase the wide range of opportunities available in Suffolk and the surrounding region.
Key details:
The fair will run from 9am to 3pm at Suffolk New College's Rope Walk campus in Ipswich.
Ipswich Town Football Club and Sizewell C Group are among the key sponsors.
Other supporters include John Grose Group, Care Development East, Ceetech, Chassis Cab, Hudson Group, S & P Ventilation, the University of Suffolk and Suffolk Chamber of Commerce.
What they're saying:
Charlotte Rossiter, Suffolk New College Events Co-ordinator: "This event will be building on previous successes of the Suffolk Skills and Careers Festival by creating an all new and improved one day festival to help young people living in this region to shape their future."
Chris Young, Head of Employment Affairs at Sizewell C Project: "It's important we make opportunities for young people visible and accessible – and an event like this will enable them to speak to employers and discover what is out there."
Andy Wooldridge, Commercial Director at Ipswich Town Football Club: "We are known for developing young talent on the football pitch – now we want to play our part in developing talent off the pitch across the county."
Paul Smith, Commercial Development Director at John Grose Group: "Our young people are the future - and we are a big believer in skills. My message to other employers is – if you want to take out of the pot – you have to put something in it."
Yvonne Gilchrist-Mason OBE DL, High Sheriff of Suffolk: "By bringing Suffolk companies and supply chains into view at events like this we can inspire and support them in seeing where their futures could be."
The bottom line: Organisers are calling for more businesses to get involved. As Yvonne Gilchrist-Mason puts it: "I'd urge businesses to get involved in the FutureSkills Fair, step into view and work alongside young people, inform them about the amazing job opportunities that are out there in this region and it will help raise their aspirations and hopes for the future as they look to find their place in the world."
Get involved: Businesses interested in participating can find out more on the Suffolk New College website or contact Charlotte Rossiter (charlotterossiter@suffolk.ac.uk) for more information.
