Businesses Support The Suffolk Skills Show 2018

Now in its fifth year, The Suffolk Skills Show will take place at Trinity Park, Ipswich on Wednesday 17^th October for one day only. The event is in association with Suffolk County Council with support from the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, and Suffolk colleges. More than 4500 visitors and over 100 exhibitors attend the show each year.

Business and education leaders across Suffolk have come together to encourage participation in this year’s Suffolk Skills Show. Organisers say that this year, with all sectors facing challenges in recruitment, retention and training, the event will be a more worthwhile occasion than ever before.

Dayle Bayliss, Chair of The Suffolk Skills Show, explains: “Skills and careers shows are an excellent way for employers, job seekers and young people making careers decisions to find out about the range of support, training and employment opportunities available in the region and beyond.”

“Recruitment across all sectors is challenging, and targeting young people is key to ensuring a sustainable workforce for the area’s future growth and prosperity. Employers report there is continuing pressure to fill new jobs, replace those who retire and compete against external demand from neighbouring areas and other regions.”

She added:  “Last year we introduced Job Hunter, which was a huge success. Exhibitors were able to promote vacancies and talk directly to prospective candidates. It proved that the event should not only welcome young people still in education but those who would like to find out about career opportunities and vacancies in the area and how to perhaps even change career paths too. If you are looking to talk to experts about careers, getting your first job, becoming an Apprentice, getting a degree or changing job entirely this event will certainly help to steer you in the right direction.”

Sponsors confirmed to date include: Lead Alumni Sponsor: Easton and Otley College for the third consecutive year, BT, Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, Archant and NEACO (The Network for East Anglian Collaborative Outreach) which is a collaboration of Suffolk Universities under the umbrella branding Take Your Place.

The event provides a unique opportunity for a young person to explore a wide range of local employment sectors and talk to the key employers in Suffolk.

Attendees will ‘try on for size’ different careers, speak to those already working, including apprentices and managers who can speak about their chosen career paths.  They will also have the opportunity to take part in ‘hands on’ activities and employer set challenges, crucially making the link between education, attainment and their future career options.

“The Suffolk Skills Show is a great opportunity for young people to speak to experts, to be inspired about potential career pathways and to better understand the skills, attitude and aptitudes necessary to secure employment.” Commented Michelle Pollard, Deputy Chair of The Suffolk Skills Show.

She added: “With lots of informative and interactive activities and attractions at the show, the event highlights the very best Suffolk has to offer regarding apprenticeships, training, further education and careers, and we urge local employers to support such an important event.”

For details on this year’s event and how to exhibit visit www.suffolkskillsshow.com. Expressions of interest in sponsorship and are invited to email [email protected] or contact Boleyn Events on 01473 712330.

The morning sessions are available to school and educational visitors only. Bookings can be made via the website www.suffolkskillsshow.com /schools-groups-visitors/  Entrance to the event is FREE for visitors and provides the ideal opportunity for employers and employees to meet. General public are welcome to attend after 1pm. 

Pictured: Michelle Pollard, Deputy Chair and Dayle Bayliss, Chair of the Suffolk Skills Show

Photo credit: Photo by Keith Mindham