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Thousands of young people to attend FutureSkills Fair in Ipswich

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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.

Chris Young, Yvonne Gilchrist-Mason, Josie Finch, Andy Wooldridge, Amanda Ankin, Paul Smith, Terry Baxter and Alan Pease at Suffolk New College
Chris Young, Yvonne Gilchrist-Mason, Josie Finch, Andy Wooldridge, Amanda Ankin, Paul Smith, Terry Baxter and Alan Pease Suffolk New College

Key details:

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.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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Crafters and artists called to help transform The Walk for spring market

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Local creatives are being sought to contribute handmade bunting and stalls for The Walk's upcoming spring market.

Why it matters: The market, scheduled for Sunday, 13 April, aims to build on December's successful Christmas market, that saw thousands of shoppers visit the pretty thoroughfare, and continue revitalising one of Ipswich's prettiest thoroughfares.

The Walk Christmas Fair, 2024
The Walk Christmas Fair, 2024Oliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

The details:

  • Organisers Threads for All are seeking makers, artists and crafts people to participate as stallholders.

  • Creatives are also being called upon to create bunting to make the area "fun and colourful".

  • The event follows December's Christmas market which brought together 20 local traders, offering craft beer, preserves, fashion, jewellery, arts and crafts.

Behind the initiative: The market is being organised by Will and Jenny, owners of Threads for All, who opened their independent fashion and homeware store in The Walk in late summer 2024.

What they're saying: "We will try to make it bigger and better than the very successful Christmas one," said Will Hamer, co-founder of Threads for All.

What's next: Anyone interested in participating can contact Threads for All through their social media channels, website, or visit the shop directly.

The bottom line: Following the successful Christmas market that showcased The Walk's potential, organisers are now calling on the local creative community to help deliver an even more ambitious spring event.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

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