Skills Fair returns to match youngsters with future employers

The annual Skills Fair returned this year, with over a thousand youngsters going along to meet with employers and education providers to find out about their options for the future.

The event, which was organised by North East Lincolnshire Council, working with the Department for Work and Pensions, Franklin College, and Grimsby Institute for Further and Higher Education, took place on Friday 15 July at Grimsby Auditorium.

Over 1,600 year 10 students from across our area attended the event and met with employers including British Steel, Prax Lindsey Oil Refinery, Ørsted UK, and Siemens Mobility Ltd.

Also in attendance were several education and training providers, including the University of Hull and University of Lincoln, Bishop Burton and Riseholme Colleges.

Also featured at the event was a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Village, sponsored by Phillips 66.

Ahead of the day, Phillips 66 launched a school’s challenge, with the finalists presenting their entries on the day.

Speaking ahead of the Fair opening, Cllr Margaret Cracknell, portfolio holder for children and education at North East Lincolnshire Council, said:

“I’m really pleased that we’ve been able to continue this annual event. It’s always very popular with our young people, and really offers them an opportunity to connect with future employers and post-16 education and training providers.

“Hundreds of young people will make decisions at this event about the direction of their futures, whether that be to university, into further training, a specialist career or an apprenticeship.

“And I wish them all luck. As a Council, we really want the best for all of our children and young people, and by bringing all of these employers and providers together, we are showing them how many potential opportunities are out there.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all those who attended, whether they be our young people, teachers, employers and education providers. Without you all, this would not take place.”

The event was sponsored by Franklin College, Grimsby Institute of Further and Higher Education, WiME (Women in Manufacturing and Engineering) and the Greater Lincolnshire LEP/Careers & Enterprise Company.