Top sponsor – Sizewell C Group says ‘it’s a huge opportunity for other businesses to get involved’
Another key sponsor ITFC says – we develop talent on the pitch – now it’s time to develop it off the pitch
A careers event for young people will be taking place at Suffolk New College on Monday 4 November 2024.
So far, 3000 youngsters have signed up to come along to the FutureSkills Fair that will also welcome scores of businesses to Rope Walk in Ipswich between 9am and 3pm.
The idea is to inspire 14-to-16-year-olds to think about the many career options that are available to them after education.
Other educational establishments from across the region will also be in attendance.
Businesses including Sizewell C Group, John Grose Group and Premier League new boys Ipswich Town Football Club have already agreed to be partners.
Other sponsors include Care Development East, Ceetech, Chassis Cab, Hudson Group, S and P Ventilation, the University of Suffolk and the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce.
35 companies from sectors representing construction, energy, leisure and tourism, ports and logistics and retail are already involved.
But there is still an opportunity for others to sign up.
Charlotte Rossiter is the organiser of this occasion. The Suffolk New College Events Co-Ordinator said: “By bringing together employers, industry experts, and educational establishments, the Suffolk Futureskills Fair aims to equip young people with the knowledge and motivation they need to make informed decisions about their careers. Through interactive workshops, engaging presentations, and hands-on activities, participants are encouraged to discover their passions and develop the skills necessary to thrive in their chosen fields.
“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. Whilst 35 companies have already agreed to take part, we would love others to get involved.”
Chris Young is the Head of Employment Affairs unit at Sizewell C Project. Chris said: “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.
“There is a huge amount of opportunity in Suffolk – and the region – and we need to make sure that information is there for them to see, so they can make informed choices.
“The FutureSkills Fair is a huge opportunity for other businesses to get involved so they can talk to their future workforce. It really can help put your business on the map.”
Andy Wooldridge is the Commercial Director at Ipswich Town Football Club. He said: “We are very proud of our heritage and roots and for us, it is more important than ever to support our community and help develop young people.
“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.
“It is important for the club to get involved because we all live and work in Suffolk and the only way we are going to drive the county forward on a national scale is to support our young people by inspiring them to be better through events like this.”
Paul Smith is the Commercial Development Director at John Grose Group. Paul said: “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 is the current High Sheriff of Suffolk. Yvonne said: “My primary focus as High Sheriff this year is our young people (and in particular the young people leaving the care system) working collaboratively across the county to bring into view the many training, apprenticeship and job opportunities which are in Suffolk. We have many areas of economic development, growth and significant infrastructure projects, all of them looking for their future skills pipeline and talent acquisition. 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.
In terms of why others should support this event, Yvonne said: “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.”