> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.ipswich.co.uk/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Careers fair opens students' eyes to future careers - URL: https://www.ipswich.co.uk/careers-fair-opens-students-eyes-to-future-careers/ - Published: 2026-10-26T12:36:03.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-26T12:36:03.000Z - Description: Around 3,500 young people from across Suffolk, Norfolk and Essex got a glimpse of their future this month, as 73 businesses and organisations descended on Suffolk New College for its third annual FutureSkills Fair. - Author: Oliver Rouane-Williams - Tags: News, Suffolk New College, Further Education, Business **Why it matters:** The all-day event at the college's Ipswich campus gave students direct access to employers spanning construction, cooking, farming and football, aiming to inspire them about the paths open to them after school. **The big picture:** Buses brought pupils in from across the region to hear from businesses and organisations about the world of work, with schools from Ipswich among those taking part. **What they're saying:** Students said the fair broadened their horizons. Ramot, from Ipswich Academy, said: "It (FutureSkills Fair) tells you more about what you can be in the future." Thirteen-year-old Jack, also from Ipswich Academy, said: "I like how it showed you all the cool things you can do. I think it has been useful." Their teacher, Mal Akhlak, said: "It's an amazing event. We always feel very welcome. We were personally greeted by the principal (when we arrived), and there were so many employers and community organisations who attended. It's been very well run, and it's great to introduce young people to different career options." ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/1e/291e4b7f-e551-4458-b546-61963954b22f/content/images/2026/10/10---Isobel-and-Cara-from-The-John-Peel-Centre-called-the-FutureSkills-Fair--a-great-opportunity-.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/1e/291e4b7f-e551-4458-b546-61963954b22f/content/images/2026/10/4---Jack-from-Ipswich-Academy-at-the-Suffolk-New-College-FutureSkills-Fair.jpg) Suffolk New College's third annual FutureSkills Fair (Photo: Suffolk New College) **The bigger picture:** Employers said backing the event was about showing young people what is possible. Scott Hayden, who is on an industrial placement scheme in the regional and external affairs development team at Sizewell C, said: "Sizewell C has so many opportunities for young people, so it's important we support events like this." Robert Peace, head of education for the Ipswich Town Foundation, said: "We came along to showcase opportunities within Ipswich Town Football Club and Ipswich Town Foundation. It's important to inspire young people so they know all the hard work they are putting in at school can help them achieve in later life." Isobel Dawe, marketing manager at the John Peel Centre, said: "It was great to be able to expand our reach to young people." Charlotte Rossiter, events supervisor at Suffolk New College, said: "This event was a roaring success. Students were able to get advice about their future careers. They got to hear from businesses who were involved in everything from construction to cooking and farming to football. It was a tremendous effort by my colleagues and all of the companies who came along to support us. And it was brilliant that so many schools engaged. A huge thanks to everyone." **For context:** Government figures released earlier this year suggested the number of 16- to 24-year-olds not in education, training or employment is approaching one million. Part of the reasoning behind the fair was to try to reverse this trend. Sizewell C was the headline sponsor alongside Anglian Larder. Other sponsors included Associated British Ports, Bacton Logistics, Barnes Construction, Cory Brothers, Hudson Group, John Grose Group, J McCann Ltd, Kier, Rose Builders, Suffolk Chamber of Commerce and Suffolk New College. **The bottom line:** With youth unemployment figures climbing nationally, Suffolk New College's third FutureSkills Fair gave thousands of young people across the region a hands-on look at the careers available to them, from nuclear energy to football. --- **Don't forget:** If you enjoy our content, please [add Ipswich.co.uk as a "preferred source" on Google](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=ipswich.co.uk&ref=ipswich.co.uk) so you can easily find more of the content you value. [Add as a preferred source on Google](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=ipswich.co.uk&ref=ipswich.co.uk) --- ### This article cost us \~£27 to produce It's free for you to read thanks to the generous support of our partners. Please support us by supporting them.