Employment opportunities and skills are to come under the spotlight at the largest event of its kind in Tees Valley, which is being hosted by Tees Valley Unlimited.
The aims of the event, which is being held at Teesside University in Middlesbrough, on December 15, are to:
- Develop the Tees Valley workforce of tomorrow by providing an inspirational focus to learning
- Signpost future Tees Valley employees in the right direction by highlighting the different routes to employment, education, training, apprenticeships and job vacancies at all levels
- Showcase key Tees Valley industries to students
- Promote Tees Valley as a place to find a fulfilling career
Stephen Catchpole, Managing Director of TVU, the Local Enterprise Partnership for Tees Valley, said: “If Tees Valley is to prosper and reach its full economic potential, it is imperative that the future generation of employees is equipped with the necessary skills and qualifications to meet companies’ requirements.
“We need to harness the talent and ability of young people in Tees Valley and prove to them that there is a wealth of career opportunities within the area and that there is no need for them to move elsewhere to find a successful and satisfying career.
“We and our partners hope that the event will empower young people to make the right decisions about education, training and careers. It also will highlight what Tees Valley companies look for in a workforce and what educational routes need to be followed to secure different types of employment.”
TVU is building on last year’s success with the 2014 Tees Valley Skills Event attracting more than 50 organisations including Tees Valley colleges, learning providers, employers and universities, which provided a wide range of interactive skills activities that motivated and inspired more than 1,700 attendees.
It will give learners the opportunity find out about skills, trades and professions they may never have considered and ‘have a go’ at tasks showcasing the priority business growth sectors in Tees Valley including; Advanced Manufacturing, Health, Engineering, Renewables and Digital & Creative sectors .
Chris Mullen, Head of Manufacturing, FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies, which exhibited at the event in 2014 said: “We attended last year’s Tees Valley Skills Event as it was a great opportunity for Fujifilm staff to do something a bit different, talk to young people and inspire them about the science particularly biology and biotechnology.
“The Tees Valley skills event gives us the opportunity to showcase our business and tell young people what we do and hopefully get them to recognise the opportunities that are available to them.
“Our key aim is to encourage young people to study science and then move into a science based career. We are looking forward to attending this year’s event.”
This year’s event partners include Teesside University, education partnership Nybep and Tees Valley Learner Provider Network.
Sue Gradwell, Nybep Chief Executive, said: “We are delighted to support the running of this important skills event. Such events are crucial in ensuring that young people are inspired and informed to make career plans that will ensure not only their own successful future but also a thriving local economy.”
Gary Crawley, Teesside University Recruitment Officer, said: “Teesside University is delighted to host the Tess Valley Skills Event 2015. We’re looking forward to welcoming exhibitors, schools and colleges to our brand new campus for this inspiring event which showcases the incredible range of opportunities available for young people in the Tees Valley.”
Jo Thompson, Marketing & Specialist Project Officer Tees Valley Learning Provider Network, said: “The Tees Valley Skills Event will use skills activities to provide an inspirational focus for vocational learning; we intend to offer interactive opportunities that are not available within the curriculum. The event will allow learners to engage in a variety of ‘have a go” activities’.”
The Tees Valley Skills Event 2015, which is open to all learners in years 9-13, promises to be even better than ever, showcasing career options and progression routes for everyone.
It takes place on Tuesday December 15 at Teesside University’s Olympia Building in Middlesbrough from 9am-3.30pm.
For an insight into the event see what last year’s Skills event had to offer – www.teesvalleyunlimited.gov.uk
For information contact Kelly Britton, kelly.britton@teesvalleyunlimited.gov.uk 01642 524450.