An event to boost career opportunities in Ryedale has been hailed a massive success. Now in its fifth year, Opportunity Knocks – organised by a team led by Ryedale District Council, (RDC), NYBEP Ltd and Derwent Training Association and held at Lady Lumley’s School, Pickering – provides students with the opportunity to network and interact with Ryedale businesses to help to raise their awareness about local career and apprenticeship opportunities.
Over 24 companies exhibited and a record 750 school pupils attended from all four of Ryedale’s secondary schools. Feedback from the event included Craig Kaye – Marketing Manager/Education Liaison at Askham Bryan College. ‘
He said: “This event is a fantastic way to bring local employers and providers together to help inform young people of realistic opportunities open to them from age sixteen. It allows learners to freely explore their options and to encourage them to find out more in regards to their future pathways.”
Ethan Moses, a Ryedale School student commented: “A lot of people my age don’t know what they want to do in later life because they don’t know what’s available, so its great to have an event like Opportunity Knocks that shows them what employers are in the local area.”
One of the organisers of the event – Louise Lunn, Business Liaison Manager, Ryedale District Council – added: “We are so fortunate that companies in Ryedale take part in this annual event and recognise the importance of linking with students at an early age to help influence their career choices in the future.”
Companies from a range of sectors took part in Opportunity Knocks 2015 including : Swinton Technology, North York Moors National Park, Derwent Training Association, Access to Music, Third Energy UK, McClarrons Insurance, Tyro Training, Yormed, Adult Learning Services, Jobcentre Plus, Askham Bryan College, James Fisher Nuclear, Ellis Patents, Sylatech Ltd, The Potash Project, York College, National Careers Service, Women in Engineering, The Academy and Helmsley Arts Centre
